Hokies in the 2014 NFL Draft: Who might select Antone Exum?

Dec 28, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Antone Exum (1) returns an interception thrown by Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gary Nova (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl at the Citrus Bowl. Virginia Tech defeated Rutgers 13-10 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

We continue our look at the top Hokies in the 2014 NFL Draft with a look at another former Hokie cornerback in Antone Exum. Antone Exum had a chance to improve his draft stock but injuries cost him a lot this past season and have kept him from having any shot of being selected in the first or second round of this year’s draft. However, Exum’s draft stock still is in decent shape and will likely go anywhere from the third round to the fifth round which is due to his potential to play safety or cornerback at the next level along with his overall talent. So, what teams could give Exum the most serious consideration in the 2014 NFL Draft?

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers are looking for some help at safety and if they are unable to get a safety in the first two rounds of the draft, the Packers could look at Exum in the third round. Exum is a solid coverage safety that also is a tackling machine that could do a very good job at shutting down opposing running backs. Exum could be a decent starter early on in his career which is the type of safety that Exum needs. The Packers may or may not be willing to take a chance on Exum due to his inury history but the Packers might have already selected a safety by the third round.

Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders signed a lot of players including a couple of cornerbacks but their age makes Oakland a team to watch for Antone Exum. The Raiders could make sure that Antone Exum was completely healthy while giving him some playing time as the nickel cornerback or as a safety in the long run. Exum would be a good fit in the fourth or fifth round as a developmental player that with his size can be a very good player. Exum could be put at safety or cornerback depending on the needs of the Raiders and that type of versatility could make him a good fit in the later rounds for the Raiders.

Oct 26, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Antone Exum (1) on the sideline during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have made some moves as they did bring in safety Malcolm Jenkins but the Eagles still need a lot of help at safety and cornerback with Antone Exum being a good fit. Exum is known as a quality run defender and could slide in to the Philadelphia lineup as a strong safety that would also have above-average pass coverage skills for that position. Exum could also be used as a nickel cornerback in some packages that can also help in run defense. Exum could be quite a good fit in Philadelphia and Exum might not end up with a long trip to reach his NFL home.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have had some issues with their secondary for a while and Antone Exum would be a good guy for the Lions to look at somewhere in the third to fifth round. Exum might not be able to start immediately but he could be a steal at this point and possibly even start by the end of the season. Exum would probably stay at cornerback instead of moving to safety but the Lions seriously need some help at cornerback and Exum could help with that. The Lions need cornerback help and Exum is a guy that could end up in Detroit.

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