Oakland Raiders: Biggest 2015 NFL Draft Need
By Erik Lambert
Oct 11, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. The Trojans defeated the Wildcats 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In a team-by-team overview of the current landscape for the 2015 NFL draft, what is the biggest need for the Oakland Raiders and who could fill it for them?
Khalil Mack needs help with pass rush
The good news is it seems the Raiders have something cooking on offense with Derek Carr. Best to leave that alone and focus on what has really been a disappointing project on defense. A lot of money and draft time was spent infusing the unit with more talent but so far the returns are not what anybody expected. They are giving up 26.8 points per game despite having the 11th rated pass defense. So what is the problem? Based on those numbers it reflects an inability to get off the field. That means a lacking pass rush. Indeed the Raiders rank a dismal 31st in the NFL with just five sacks on the season. Prized draft pick Khalil Mack has yet to get going, but the ineffectiveness is everywhere. It’s clear more help is needed up front.
Best Answer To Problem: Leonard Williams – USC
There’s a reason so many 2015 NFL draft experts have continued to connect USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams with the Oakland Raiders, who are currently favored to land the top pick. The kid is an absolute nightmare for offensive linemen to block.
"“He possesses excellent strength and speed for his size, and has the versatility to create mismatches all along the D-line. His best projection is as a 5-technique defensive end, but he has the quickness and point-of-attack skills to perform inside as a 3-technique (especially in pass-rushing situations), and enough athleticism to occasionally line up as a traditional left defensive end. As a pass-rusher, he isn’t going to gain the edge with pure speed, but he has good initial quickness and a wide array of moves. He possesses an above-average motor and plays with an edge.”"
Williams is the kind of player who can collapse a pocket or command double teams, freeing up speedy rushers like Mack wreak havoc on quarterbacks. It is precisely the solution the Raiders are looking for. We shall see if the board falls that way next April.