There are only so many hours that Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock can devote to evaluating prospects for the upcoming NFL draft. Fortunately for them, a handful of players are so talented that there’s no need to spend much time analyzing how those prospects might look in a Raiders uniform.
Raiders unlikely to have shot at drafting any of these 10 prospects
Thank you for finally stating what I’ve been preaching: Isiah Simmons will NOT be there when Raiders pick at #12.
I agree with your other players that you mentioned as well that you stated will likely not be available.
Yet there will be some good players that will be available, such as Ruggs. There’s also the possibility of trading down to acquire more picks.
You’re welcome. Henry Ruggs III is the guy to keep an eye on, you’re right. He is blazing fast and is an elite returner. He’s the kind of player that could transform the Raiders in a hurry.
Simmons is the only linebacker mentioned here, either as likely gone in the top ten or as available at #12.
Is there no other LB potentially in play when we make our first pick (or the second at #19?) This is such a major area of need, yet again, to help build a top half in the league D around……
Yes, there are other linebackers after Simmons, who it bears noting is versatile enough to play safety, slot corner and blitz frequently. He is a special talent.
The linebackers beyond Simmons should last until the Raiders pick at No. 19, for sure, with Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray the next-best-available option. If the Raiders miss out on Simmons and Murray, they will have to wait till the third round or trade up into the second.
Thanks Cork, do you think it more likely we go LB in FA (and if so, who) rather than drafting high?
Filling a key need or two is going to be imperative in FA again.
If we go into next season with our only upgrades on D being from the draft its going to be another tough year. We cannot count on our O handily outscoring every team on the schedule.
I am with Andy on this one. There has to be some quality LBs that would be available at 12 or 19 other than Simmons, no? Also, don’t forget that several good players fell in last year’s draft because of some odd ball picks (e.g. Ferrell who was projected to go mid-round). That moves quality players down the board. Also, the QB needy teams will undoubtedly move to get them ahead of us–especially if the Carr is going to get replaced rumors are strong.