Oakland Raiders 2017 Mock Draft: Anvil To The Hammer

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Sep 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Dedrick Mills (26) scores a rushing touchdown against Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) in the third quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Yellow Jackets won 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oakland Raiders may be a playoff team now but they are far from being considered on the same level as somebody like New England in the AFC.

Their work in the draft must continue to bear fruit before this organization can truly regain the glory of its past. A huge step they must take is building up a defense that played second fiddle last year to a dynamic offense. This requires immediate and early investments from the draft. Every position group has a big need on the board. It’s just a matter of figuring out where to attack first. Here is a viable scenario that could play in their favor.

1st Round

player. 28. The entire linebacking corps for the Oakland Raiders is in dire need of some help. Bruce Irvin should be fine at strong side but the other two spots are glaring weaknesses. Most notably the middle linebacker position. A 4-3 defense relies on that position heavily for success. So somebody like Ben Heeney, while a hard worker and high effort player, just won’t get it done. Not against the cream of the AFC. It’s high time they sought out an upgrade. <p>It really is staggering how little respect Zach Cunningham is getting in the draft hype circles. The Vanderbilt linebacker is a really good football player. He’s tough and aggressive, playing with great instinct and anticipation for where the football is going. He has the speed to play sideline to sideline and the athleticism to handle dropping into coverage. One of those leaders-by-example types who does his job on every snap. Exactly what the franchise needs.</p>. ILB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham . 1

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