An Oakland Raiders Complete 2014 NFL Mock Draft
By Erik Lambert
Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Armani Reeves (26) during their game in the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
This 2014 NFL mock draft can go a number of ways for the Oakland Raiders but with only six picks, they must make them count.
Round 1 – Sammy Watkins – WR – Clemson
It’s really hard seeing Jadeveon Clowney fall to #5 and since most don’t trust the Raiders will enter the early quarterback frenzy, that means wide receiver is likely a top priority. There is none better than Sammy Watkins. In addition to having that game-changing speed and athleticism, he also has the size at 6’1″ and toughness to handle duty over the middle.
Round 2 – Scott Crichton – DE – Oregon State
Athletic upside doesn’t always guarantee a good football player. Scott Crichton is not a world class athlete but his production and game tape show a defensive end who can do his job against top competition. His motor and core strength allow him to beat blockers in a variety of ways and he’s also got the size to anchor against the run.
Round 3 – Billy Turner – OT – North Dakota State
One of the hot risers among the scouting community is North DakotaState tackle Billy Turner. Indeed the young man has everything at his disposal including the size, strength, balance and nimbleness to hold up in pass protection like he did at the Senior Bowl. With a little more polish he could start for the Raiders opposite Jared Veldheer.
Round 4 – Zach Mettenberger – QB – LSU
At some point Oakland has to consider adding to their quarterback competition because the faith in Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin is limited at best. Landing Zach Mettenberger in the 4th round might be a steal. The 6’5″ quarterback out of LSU may have the best arm in the class along with the strength to shrug off rushers. He showed marked improvement in 2013 before being lost to a torn ACL.
Round 6 – Bennett Jackson – CB – Notre Dame
Defensive backs have become a staple of Brian Kelly and Notre Dame. Bennett Jackson is one of his more underrated projects. He boasts good height and length at 6’1″, showed a willingness to play hard against the run, times his blitzes well and held his own in press coverage for the Irish.
Round 7 – Aaron Lynch – DE – South Florida
This is an all upside pick in the 2014 NFL mock draft for the Oakland Raiders. Once considered the next big thing at Notre Dame, Aaron Lynch made the decision following his freshman year to transfer to South Florida. Though technically a junior, he only has two seasons of experience. He finished the 2013 campaign strong with four sacks in two games, demonstrating his combination of length, explosion and power.