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Raiders Draft Prospect: CB Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 2/5/24

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to add young talent to their team through the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Raiders were on the verge of the postseason in 2023 after a turnaround in the second half of the season under now-permanent head coach Antonio Pierce. He established a culture of unrelenting competitiveness, something the players bought into fully.

The Raiders are now looking for players who will fit the culture Pierce has established. Along with new General Manager Tom Telesco, the Raiders are beginning a new era and are looking for the right players to start it.

One of those players could be Auburn cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett. After spending five seasons with the Tigers, Pritchett is off to the NFL. He had a strong week of practices at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Pritchett finished his collegiate career with 115 total tackles, five and a half tackles for loss, a forced fumble, 24 passes defended, and three interceptions. He was part of a talented secondary under former Defensive Coordinator Ron Roberts, featuring NFL hopefuls, safety Jaylin Simpson and cornerback D.J. James.

Pritchett stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 184 pounds. He looks like a prototypical outside man corner on tape. He has impressive instincts and footwork and is one of the fastest corners in the draft class.

He has solid coverage skills and is not afraid to hit in the run game. Pritchett’s blazing speed allows him to fly downhill to make plays on the ball. He has fluid hips, allowing him to change direction and cover ground downfield quickly.

In addition to his coverage skills, Pritchett brings physicality to the top of routes, bothering wide receivers and giving them little space to operate. According to Pro Football Focus, Pritchett was targeted 26 times and allowed just 12 receptions for 134 yards, and allowed just one touchdown.

Pritchett is a good athlete but struggles to get off blocks consistently. He needs to get lower against his man to win those match-ups. While he is good in coverage, he gives up inside leverage too often, allowing receivers to beat him off the line.

Pritchett is projected to be a day three selection in the draft. If the Raiders are looking for a great athlete at cornerback to add to their young core, Pritchett could be a good fit.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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