Oakland Raiders Day Two NFL Mock Draft

The Oakland Raiders surprised a few people by passing on defensive tackle Leonard Williams with the fourth overall pick on day one of the 2015 NFL Draft, but they surprised no one by taking wide receiver Amari Cooper instead. If you could have printed a dream scenario for Oakland in the first round, that would be it.

They got their top target for Derek Carr to pair with their free agent acquisition Michael Crabtree, and now it’s time to invest in some pass rush and other areas of this young team. How will they follow up the pick of Cooper on day two? Here’s one scenario of how I could see it playing out in rounds two and three.

Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Owamagbe Odighizuwa (94) and Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) line up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

35. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

To put it as mildly as I possibly can, Owamagbe Odighizuwa is one of my favorite players in this entire draft. I think in any other year of edge rushers, he might grade out in the top three or four. The senior was not overly productive statistically this past season, but he was productive in terms of disrupting plays.

Constantly.

The Raiders have a weak group of defensive ends, but a star pass rusher in Khalil Mack and a guy in the middle (Dan Williams) that is going to occupy blockers and help penetrate. I think Odighizuwa would work well as a RDE in Jack Del Rio’s defense, and he can also kick inside and rush the passer, or even stand up if they ask him to.

This is a phenomenal athlete, a player that was in the quarterback’s face, what felt like, every single play I watched of his at UCLA. He didn’t always notch a sack, but he was constantly disrupting plays and getting in running lanes, making life hell for opposing QBs.

That’s what the Raiders need if they want to compete in the AFC.

Next: Secondary Help