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NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #14: Oakland Raiders – Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

Like almost everyone else, the Raiders are in need of offensive line talent. But stuck at #14 they’re stuck in a sort of OL purgatory, with the top players off the board. This is too early to take any of the next level of offensive tackle talent (Jack Conklin, Taylor Decker etc.)…..but they’ll be happy to take a player of Hargreaves caliber to strengthen their secondary.

Hargreaves has been a standout for the Gators since the moment he arrived in Gainesville, earning All SEC honors as a true freshman. He racked up 121 tackles, 10 INT’s, 27 passes defensed and 2 fumble recoveries before announcing he would skip his senior year to enter the draft.

At 5’11” he’s a tad shorter than the modern-day preference for outside corner backs, but he’s the total package. D.J. Hayden just hasn’t been the player Oakland was hoping for when they took him in the first round in 2013. With Hargreaves III they are adding a young, lock down CB to a young and rapidly-improving defense.

Next: On the clock: L.A. Rams

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