Raiders draft Gareon Conley in 1st round despite rape allegation

The Oakland Raiders have selected cornerback Gareon Conley out of Ohio State with the 24th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, despite facing a rape accusation from an incident earlier in the month.

Conley took, and passed, a polygraph test at the request of a team prior to the draft, but that team wasn't the Raiders, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network

Conley was ranked as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, but many pundits felt the recent accusation would see him plummet out of the first round.

The Raiders get a player with high value with the 24th pick, and one who can step in immediately and help a defense that was ranked 24th in the NFL against the pass.

Gareon Conley Bio

Position: CB
School: Ohio State
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 195 lbs.

Strengths

• Versatile. Can line up at either outside position or the slot from either press or off coverage. Comfortable in man or zone defense.
• Explosive. Shows great burst off the line, breaking on passes, and coming up in run support. Matches acceleration with receivers running downfield.
• Has ideal height and length for a corner and plays bigger than his measurables suggest.
• Smooth. Transitions very well from backpedal to forward running. Tracks ball well and breaks up passes with good body control.

Weaknesses

• Route discipline. Can allow receivers to gain separation by losing them while eyes are on quarterback. Can get lost in off coverage.
• Run Support. Is passive when defending the run. Seems content to play on the outside and play safe against possibility of big run.

Note: Conley was accused of raping a woman April 9. As of the draft, he has not been charged.

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