With the No. 24 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select cornerback Gareon Conley out of Ohio State University.

Oakland Raiders

Pete Prisco's Grade: B-

There is risk, but it could pay off in a big way. He is a nice cover player, which is what they need.

Instant analysis 

Earlier this week, Conley strongly denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a 23-year-old woman in a Cleveland hotel room. Conley's lawyer called the allegations "ludicrous and ridiculous" and stated, "In my opinion this young lady is an opportunist and it's actually despicable." Conley hasn't been charged with a crime but has also yet to talk to investigators, who are awaiting the results of a rape kit. 

NFL teams have been doing homework on both Conley and the allegations all week. The Ravens reportedly administered a polygraph this week, which Conley passed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Raiders obviously felt comfortable with the results of that homework and considered him worth the risk at this spot. 

Oakland spent a bunch of money and draft capital last offseason upgrading its secondary, but it became clear throughout the season that there was still work to do. Conley, if he is cleared of the recent allegations, should help. Although he is not quite at the same level athletically as his former Buckeye teammate Marshon Lattimore, there are some in NFL circles that consider Conley the better overall prospect. He has good size, speed, length, and change-of-direction skills, and should be able to play in any NFL scheme. His ability to play both on the outside and in the slot is an added bonus, as that type of flexibility is key for starting corners these days and more teams move their top receivers around the formation. Conley is not the strongest corner in jump-ball situations or against the run, but he is able to shadow his man with great consistency. 

Fantasy impact

"The Raiders' offense is fine, so looking at defense made the most sense, especially with the secondary. Gareon Conley will help in the short-term in trying to slow down the Chargers offense, which just added Mike Williams. And in the long-term with the Chiefs, who added a new quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. The Raiders DST is worth a look in deeper leagues with the addition of Conley." -- Jamey Eisenberg

NFL comparison

Aqib Talib: Conley works best in press coverage and should be able to use his long arms to affect passes even if he gets beat off the line of scrimmage.