The Oakland Raiders have the third pick in the draft and while they would like to plan out exactly who they want to take at that spot, they will not be able to fully decide until the Chiefs and Jaguars ahead of them show their cards, meaning they could draft Geno Smith or cornerback Dee Milliner depending on how the chips fall.
According to ESPN.com, another option could be former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, who had his pro day workout on Wednesday in Baton Rouge for NFL scouts. The cornerback was once considered a top 10 pick before being kicked off the Tigers for drug issues, but he has put that behind him as he trains to become a professional.
The former Heisman trophy finalist worked out with other players Eric Reid and Tharold Simon for NFL scouts in group drills, skipping the physical testing workouts. The three gave LSU an exceptional secondary in 2011, but the team slipped a bit after Mathieu was kicked off the team.
"You just want to get back with your old teammates," Mathieu said. "I wasn't able to play with those guys this year, so to just get back with those guys one last time that was probably the biggest thing."
Mathieu's off the field issues will be a concern for any team, but the Raiders in the past have never shied away from the "bad boy" attitude of some players. Mathieu had a strong showing at the NFL combine, which is why he skipped the tests and he gave teams a look at his skills while working with other players, including sprints and catching the football.
He made a number of exceptional plays as a defensive back during his last season at LSU, which was enough to get him to New York for the Heisman ceremony. Scouts said he spoke in a very professional manner and handled himself well as questions came up about his past.
"I think they know everything already (about my background)," Mathieu said. "I think they just want you to be honest with them. That was my best friend coming into this offseason and going into this draft was, just be honest, and open."
The Raiders have two open spots in the secondary at cornerback and the team has a number of options, including going after Nnamdi Asomugha as a free agent. Asomugha is currently deciding between the 49ers and the Saints, but that could change depending on the contracts he is offered,. If the Raiders miss out on Asomugha, they could target Dee Milliner from Alabama with the number three pick, as he could slip past the Chiefs and Jaguars.
Kansas City is likely to pick an offensive lineman, while the Jaguars could take Milliner or West Virginia star Geno Smith at quarterback. The Raiders could go after Mathieu later in the draft if they miss out on Milliner, as they are also looking at Smith and could take him third if he starts to slip.
