That the Oakland Raiders drafted for defense Thursday came as no surprise, although it was a gamble of sorts to take Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley.
Conley, selected at No. 24 in the first round, is considered a first-round talent but had his reputation sullied by a recent sexual assault allegation in a Cleveland hotel room.
General manager Reggie McKenzie said the Raiders did their due diligence and are confident that Conley will soon be free and clear of any legal issues.
"We trust our research, reports, everything we have on Mr. Conley," McKenzie said. "We feel real good about picking Gareon Conley and having him join the Raider team and having him be a great teammate for our players."
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As is often the case with the Raiders, their interest was stealth. Conley wasn't aware of their interest until he got the phone call telling him he'd been selected.
"Just to know they have faith in me, not just as a football player but a person, speaks highly of them, and I really appreciate it," Conley said. "It's an honor to be part of the Raider organization."
Conley said he will speak with police Monday and is confident he will be exonerated. He conceded he could have used better judgment.
"I didn't know what I was getting myself in to," Conley said.
Assuming that hurdle has been cleared, the Raiders added a cornerback who McKenzie said was "hands down the best player left on our board."
At 6-foot, 195 pounds, Conley played mostly outside but with the Raiders will likely step in as a slot corner, with Sean Smith and David Amerson manning the outside.
Coach Jack Del Rio liked Conley's versatility and focus.
"He's a really talented corner that is capable of playing man or zone," Del Rio said. "He's a football junkie. He loves to compete. He's been well-respected with the people that I've spoken to personally about him. He's a guy that loves to compete, a good teammate and a quality kid.
"It's one of those really clean players we were fortunate to get our hands on here late in the first round."
