The NFL Scouting Combine is often referred to the grandest job interview, a reality TV show and the Underwear Olympics.
Either way, the 2017 Combine is underway as NFL Draft prospects prepare to test on the field this week.
For the Oakland Raiders, they are in a new position. Oakland is coming off their first playoff berth in more than a decade. Hence, they do not have too many glaring needs after a 12-4 season.
They do need to work on a defense that ranked No. 26 in yards per game, registered the least amount of sacks in the league and gave up the most points per game in the NFL. Look for them to think about adding a defensive tackle, corner, safety and inside linebacker to improve this unit. Not to mention, defensive contributors like Malcolm Smith, Perry Riley Jr. and Stacy McGee are free agents. They will need to be replaced or upgraded.
The Silver and Black could also use some help on offense. Key reserves (and sometimes starters) like Menelik Watson, Seth Roberts, Andre Holmes, Mychal Rivera and Latavius Murray are all free agents. These players could be re-signed and maintained for depth options. Either way, the Raiders must evaluate the receivers, tight end and running back positions for athe long-term value that surpasses the above-mentioned names.
Oakland has constantly preached about building a winning culture. They must do that by upgrading underachieving or mediocre players. Here are some players the Raiders should evaluate at Indy. These players make sense from a scheme, production and value perspective towards the top of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Running Back
- Leonard Fournette
- Dalvin Cook
- Joe Mixon
- D’onta Foreman
- JeremMcNichols
- Kareem Hunt
- Alvin Kamara
- Donnel Pumphrey
Receiver
- Cooper Kupp
- Zay Jones
- Carlos Henderson
- Chad Hansen
- Juju Smith-Schuster
- Curtis Samuel
- Isaiah Ford
- Noah Brown
- Dede Westbrook
- Amar Dorboh
- Travin Dural
Tackles
- Cam Robinson
- Garrett Bolles
- Dion Dawkins
- Antonio Garcia
- Roderick johnson
- Julie’n Davenport
- Conor McDermott
- Jermaine Eluemunor
- Avery Gennesy
Defensive Line
- Jonathan Allen
- Montravius Adams
- Caleb Brantley
- Malik McDowell
- Elijah Quails
- Chris Wormley
- Carlos Watkins
- Jaleel Johnson
Edges
- Taco Charlton
- Charles Harris
- Derek Barnett
- Takearist McKinley
- Ryan Anderson
- Carl Lawson
- Joe Mathis
- Tim Williams
Linebackers
- Reuben Foster
- HaasonReddick
- Jarrad Davis
- Zach Cunningham
- Raekwon McMillan
- Vince Biegel
- Kendell Beckwith
- Duke Riley
- Alex Anzalone
- Ben Boulware
Corners
- Teez Tabor
- Tre’Davious White
- Marlon Humphrey
- Adoree’ Jackson
- Cordrea Tankersley
- Fabian Moreau
- Chidobe Awuzie
- Jordan Lewis
- Rasul Douglas
- Howard Wilson
- Kevin King
- Cameron Sutton
- Corn Elder
- Marquez White
- Ahkella Witherspoon
- Channing Stribling
Safeties
- Budda Baker
- Justin Evans
- Marcus Williams
- Desmond King
- Marcus Maye
Granted, these are only lists. Of course, the Raiders will monitor all 300 prospects at the 2017 NFL Combine. Nonetheless, here is a short list of high-profile names at our positions of needs. Did I forget anybody?
What players are you watching closely at the 2017 NFL Combine? Let us know via Twitter.
