Oakland Raiders Mock Draft: Full 7-Round Predictions
By Erik Lambert
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The arrow is finally pointing up for the Oakland Raiders, but they can’t let their momentum slip in the NFL draft now. Here is a full seven-round mock draft look at what they could do.
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1st Round: Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama
Jack Del Rio learned in Jacksonville that it’s extremely important to keep a young quarterback armed with good weaponry. Derek Carr is at a critical stage in his development and needs another receiver he can rely on. Amari Cooper is the best in his class with a nice blend of speed and route running that make him a big play threat.
2nd Round: Denzel Perryman – ILB – Miami Fl.
Inside linebacker has killed the Raiders and needs fixing. Denzel Perryman gets low marks for being short, but otherwise the Miami product was born to play that position. He has good range, solid technique, high football intelligence and is an absolutely ferocious hitter of ball carriers.
3rd Round – Trey Flowers – DE – Arkansas
Pass rush was a problem as well for Oakland in 2014 and they need more help for Khalil Mack on the edges. Trey Flowers is still a bit raw in his techinique, but his length, high motor and athletic upside indictate a little good coaching could turn him into an every down defensive end who can drop quarterbacks.
4th Round – Donovan Smith – OT – Penn State
People weren’t sure about him but after a strong Senior Bowl performance there is no doubt Penn State tackle Donovan Smith has the chops to play in the NFL. He’s big, powerful, sound in his technique and doesn’t back down from anybody he faces. A really good fit for the right side.
5th Round – Christian Covington – DT – Rice
Pass rush off the edge wasn’t the only problem that faced the Raiders defense. They didn’t get much from the interior either. Christian Covington could help with that. Though he comes from the smaller program at Rice, he demonstrated the kind of quickness and burst an interior pass rusher needs to have on more than a few occasions.
6th Round – Karlos Williams – RB – Florida State
The 2015 draft class is positively loaded at running back, so the Oakland Raiders can afford to wait on getting one. Latavius Murray showed enough to warrant a legitimate shot at the full-time starting job but his injury history suggests the team should add some insurance. If they could get Karlos Williams in the 6th round, that would be a steal.
7th Round – Jake Smith – C – Louisville
Steve Wisniewski may leave in free agency this off-season, but even if he doesn’t, there is no harm in the Raiders adding some depth at that position. Jake Smith isn’t a physical specimen as a center, but he is an excellent technician. That is often how many centers play in the league for a long time.