NFL prospect to meet with police Monday on rape accusation

So regardless of how his next five picks go, GM Reggie McKenzie has done well with tow in a row for his Oakland Raiders. “But we did our research, and we read all the reports, and we did more than our due diligence”.

Compare that to Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster, who was kicked out of a pre-draft health screening for arguing with an employee. His time of 4.4 in the 40-yard dash was among the top 10 at the combine.

As Conley himself said, he’s on his way to Oakland.

“I feel that just makes me look like I’m lacking in the run game, obviously”, he said.

While Conley told reporters on a conference call Thursday (via the San Francisco Chronicle) that he “could have made a way better decision”, he maintained his innocence and thanked the team for the opportunity. Conley and his lawyers have denied the accusations, and have since released a statement. He goes back to his high school occasionally, telling students the importance of accepting coaching and doing things the right way.

“I definitely thought it was gonna play out a little bit differently”, Melifonwu said.

In all, the Raiders used six of their nine picks on defensive players, with Lee, first-round cornerback Gareon Conley, second-round safety Obi Melifonwu and third-round defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes all expected to press for significant playing time.

The woman claimed that she met Conley in the elevator of a Cleveland hotel.

Conley had been invited to the draft in Philadelphia, but after the accusations surfaced he did not attend.

The front-end depth of the Oakland secondary, which also includes two-time Pro-Bowler Reggie Nelson and Karl Joseph will afford Conley, who allowed a pass completion rate of 37 percent, according to Mercury News’ Jimmy Durkin, time to adapt to the National Football League game-speed and develop into the a starter opposite Amerson.

Raider head coach Jack Del Rio also sees Melifonwu as a versatile piece who can contribute in a variety of ways.

Del Rio said Conley will have a chance to come to Alameda and compete.

Many analysts believe McKenzie at pick 24 will select the best player available and choose to address the inside linebacker need early on with the selection of Jarrad Davis from Florida or possibly Zach Cunningham of Vanderbilt.

I asked him if he understood what a stunning moment this was in the draft, and whether he’d heard from his peers about the pick. “It’s hard to get separation from him”.

“Everybody came over. We just enjoyed each other’s company”, Melifonwu said. His ability to engage double-teams makes him an excellent complement to Jihad Ward and Mario Edwards Jr. along the interior of this Raiders defensive line. “But he’s a really good athlete”.

What if the Raiders had selected Melifonwu in the first round and Zach Cunningham in the second. “I haven’t spoken to a lot of my peers, but that doesn’t matter”. That battle in the game, it was a real good battle.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco graded the pick a “B” with their draft coverage crew noting that Melifonwu can “play multiple positions” and “may be the best athlete in the draft”, adding that “This could turn that secondary into a strength of the team”.

“Just to know they had faith in me, not even just as a football player but as a person, that speaks highly of them and I really appreciate that”, Conley said.