Let’s start by saying the Raiders killed free agency. I’m not saying that because they actually signed guys that I wanted, the one year I don’t publish your agency preview. I love the Geno Smith acquisition as the veteran quarterback gives this team a much higher floor. Signing linebacker Devin White was a high upside move. They also added Elandon Roberts who is a decent starting backer. Safety Jeremy Chinn adds athleticism and playoff experience to the backend. Running back Raheem Mostert brings some veteran experience to an uncertain backfield.
I even understand letting Robert Spillane, Trevon Moehrig, Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs walk for more money. Keeping Adam Butler and Malcolm Koonce gives the defense continuity. Exploring trades for Michael Mayer, Kolton Miller and Tyree Wilson proves this group is ready to field the best team possible, no matter the costs.
Under new head coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders roster is entering the draft with a higher level of competition throughout the roster. There are still some glaring team needs that must get fulfilled in this NFL draft. Mainly, this team needs high impact playmaker with athletic traits to stay on the field in the modern NFL
This is exactly why I feel like the Raiders will trade in the draft. Whether they trade up or down, Seattle was always a wildcard in the draft under Carroll. This should be the case for the Silver and Black.
Moreover, it is a good thing that there is no consensus on what the Raiders will do. Some say they will trade up, others say down. Regardless, that speaks to how much stronger this organization is. Nothing but noise is getting out.
As much as you could argue this team still needs a quarterback for the future, I never saw them taking one in the top-10. Carroll never did that in Seattle and our new GM John Spytek comes from an organization that rarely drafted a QB with the Buccaneers.
The rumor mill and Raiders Twitter are obsessed with Michigan DT Mason Graham and BSU RB Ashton Jeanty rumors. You could argue that number six is too high to take a defensive tackle or running back. However, those are both key positions with how this group likes to build their roster. You could also add that both are the rare prospects that offer production and athletic upside.
Defensive back also comes into play if the team loves Michigan corner Will Johnson or somehow Travis Hunter slides down. Yet, Carroll has proven he can develop defensive backs from anywhere in the draft. Johnson is expected to slide to the later rounds despite Charles Woodson hyping him up.
Factor in the trade rumors about the Raiders trading for Jalen Ramsey or Tyreek Hill, and anything is on the board. Vegas could take Tetairoa McMillan or trade back and try to catch him or another receiver.
They could also need a tackle or defensive end if they move Miller or Wilson. Missouri tackle Armand Membou is one guy the Raiders reportedly love for his athleticism. LSU tackle Will Campbell is seen as a can’t miss prospect. Campbell may be gone and Raiders fans have too much PTSD from the team selecting tackles that bust. The same goes for defensive end, although Penn State Edge Abdul Carter is probably too good to pass up.
Either way, this draft is really hard to predict. Some players are going anywhere from top five to top 40 in Mock Drafts. After the top four, this draft is really deep. However, teams are really splitting hairs based off preferences.
Overall, the running back and defensive tack class seems very strong collectively. It seems like you could get a starter in the middle rounds at either of those positions. That’s why the Raiders may take Graham or Jeanty because they are at the top. Or they may just wait for more value later.
All in all, the Raiders could draft every position at some point. They could use a developmental QB even if it comes after the first few rounds. Running back needs to be addresses in the top three rounds and some great talent should slide out the first.
Vegas needs depth along both sides of the trenches and there is a lot of athleticism to develop from this class. Defensive back and corner could use a spark of talent up and down the depth chart. Linebacker seems solid but that could change quick with one injury. And we know the Raiders love TEs. Don’t be surprised if they take one from this loaded class.
Still, Raiders fans should feel better about this draft then any in the past decade. Their leadership has shown the brass and willingness to upgrade the roster via trade, free agency and developing internally.
The Draft will be no different. Vegas has assets they can leverage in trades. Teams are taking them seriously as they have the flexibility to really define how this draft goes.
Fans should walk away happy as long as the Raiders acquire a QB, RB and WR in the top half of the draft as well as some depth across the roster. What’s on your NFL Draft Wish List?