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2019 Oakland Raiders mock draft: Rebuilding the foundation

By Sayre Bedinger

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 6: Damien Harris #34 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs the ball in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabamai. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 65-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 6: Damien Harris #34 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs the ball in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabamai. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 65-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Second round pick: Damien Harris, RB, Alabama

With their second round pick, at least in this case, the Raiders make their first pick on the offensive side of the ball.

Though the team hoped Marshawn Lynch could be a featured back, his best days are behind him and the same is probably true for Doug Martin.

If the Raiders could snag Harris in the second round, they would be incredibly lucky.

The Alabama senior ran for over 1,000 yards in each of 2016 and 2017, and that’s a big deal. Why is that a big deal? No Alabama running back had run for 1,000 or more yards in back-to-back seasons since T.J. Yeldon.

Harris is on track to run for at least 1,000 yards again in 2018, but the crazy thing is, his usage has not been over the top at all. He will finish his college career with four years of playing experience, and in all likelihood, less than 500 carries (or close to 500). His career high in that category was 146 back in 2016.

He breaks off big chunks of yardage with ease, is one of the best pass protecting backs I’ve evaluated, and is also a very solid pass catcher out of the backfield.

Next. Grading every trade deadline move. dark

Whatever else the Raiders attempt to do offensively could come via free agency, and they can supplement via the draft with players who can make an impact right away, like a Harris.

This draft overall would solidify a very strong core for the future of the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and give the team some instant credibility in year two of the Jon Gruden era.

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