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Oakland Raiders Select Obi Melifonwu: Rapid Draft Grade

By Erik Lambert

Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

In true Oakland Raiders tradition, Al Davis always said he wanted the best athletes. That is certainly something his team upheld with their 2nd rounder.

Obi Melifonwu first blipped on the NFL radar at the Senior Bowl where he made a handful of pretty spectacular plays in drills. As people grasped his dimensions (6’4″, 220 lbs) and ridiculous athleticism, no doubt the salivating started in earnest. Then he blew up the scouting combine and that was it. The UConn defensive back was destined for the first two rounds of the draft and it seems rather fitting he’ll get to uphold a rich DB tradition in Oakland.

Mocks expert Shawn Spencer covered him extensively for months. Here is what he had to say about who the Raiders are getting.

"“Obi Melifonwu is a starting safety at the next level who wins with athletic ability and instincts. He’s not someone who should be asked to be the lone deep safety. As a result, Melifonwu would fit in anything besides a Cover 1 scheme.His versatility will appeal to teams as he has experience as a safety, cornerback and nickelback. Much like another former Connecticut defensive back, Byron Jones, Melifonwu’s future should be at the safety position.”"

Grade:  B-

There is no questioning the upside of Melifonwu. It’s ridiculous. However, there have been questions about his instinct and one could argue the Raiders should’ve filled one of their other needs on defense rather than hitting the secondary for the second time. No doubt they’re hoping a fortified back end will start to make life easier for their front seven, specifically the pass rush led by superstar Khalil Mack.

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