Raiders First-Round Draft Scenarios

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The Oakland Raiders were 7-9 last season and they showed that they are on the way up. They improved their team drastically in the offseason, as they made it a priority to improve their defense. With the NFL Draft upcoming, the Raiders could go many different ways with the 14^th pick.

Scenario 1: Draft a cornerback

This seems like the most realistic option for the Raiders. Oakland was one of the worst in the league last season in terms of pass yards allowed. Even though they signed Sean Smith, the team still needs a second cornerback. One name that comes to mind right away is Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander. He has a learning curve, and he has maturity issues, but he is one of the better cornerbacks in the draft. He has great speed and he has an eye for the ball. Another realistic option is Eli Apple from Ohio State. Although he is projected to go lower than Oakland’s pick, he is a good risk to take. He is a lockdown corner and he is very disciplined.

Scenario 2: Draft a wide receiver

Other than rookie star Amari Cooper, the Raiders didn’t have any real weapon to catch the ball. Oakland can draft a receiver like Corey Coleman who they would be snagging from the LA Rams. Coleman had a spectacular college career and he would help Derrick Carr. Another option would be Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell. Treadwell is the most athletic receiver in the draft, and he has the ability to catch any ball. Oakland is desperate for another receiver and they have a lot of options at 14.

Scenario 3: Draft a linebacker

Even though the Raiders signed Bruce Irvin in free agency, they still lacked consistency from their linebackers last season. Oakland’s best option at 14 is ILB Reggie Ragland from Alabama. Ragland is an aggressive tackler who won two championships in college. Ragland could go before Oakland, but if he doesn’t then Oakland can have a special talent. Another option would be Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith. Despite the fact he suffered a knee injury, he is a special talent that Oakland could really use.

Scenario 4: Trade the pick

Oakland is in the middle of the draft and they can’t really address a major need at this pick. They should trade down so they can accumulate more picks. Also, this could give them a good opportunity to take a running back like Derrick Henry. They could trade down into the twenties and they can acquire more picks this year.