Seattle Seahawks can use these 4 possible castoffs from Oakland
By Ed Stein
Gareon Conley – CB
About: Gareon Conley was drafted in the first round by the Raiders with the 24th overall selection in 2017. Injuries the past two seasons have limited the former Ohio State Buckeye to only eight appearances in slightly less than a season and a half.
Pros: He has talent and proved he could cover man to man in college. Conley is on a rookie contract through 2020. He would certainly be an asset at corner and give Tre’ Flowers, who is learning the position on the fly, more time to develop. He’s a physical corner and can press opposing receivers, talents the Seahawks could use. Additionally, he has good athletic ability and will fight for balls in the air.
Cons: The injury part of Conley’s brief career is concerning to say the least. His problems with shin splints required surgery last year after only two games. He missed time in camp this year with hip/groin issues. Raiders coach Jon Gruden benched the young corner against Seattle in London. After the demotion, Gruden told NBC,
"“Conley is still a young guy,” Gruden said at the time. “We’re going to reiterate that over and over. His career is just getting started. He had a couple plays last week that he’s got to get better and improve at. He will.”"
Not a ringing endorsement, but his coach didn’t bury him either.
Wrap: It seems as though Conley is not a “Gruden guy.” The power struggle in Oakland between Gruden and Reggie McKenzie means the Seahawks could land a first round talent with a second or third round pick.