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3 Reasons Why Trading the 24th Pick Makes Sense for the Raiders

Terrance Biggs
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports

In a little over a month, the Raiders will patiently wait to hand in their envelope. While Twenty-three picks should hear their names, the Raiders sit and wait. Instead of waiting to see names slowly fly off the list, Oakland should trade down. Plus, teams should line up and attempt to reward Oakland with decent packages. Here are three reasons why a trade-down is the smartest play.

Rebuilding Teams Need Help: Not too long ago, Reggie McKenzie began the big overhaul. The process took years to complete and isn’t quite finished. Yet, other teams continue to constantly rebuild. For instance, from their return to the NFL, Cleveland keeps rebuilding. Through skillful work and suckering desperate teams (Houston), the Browns amassed a wealth of picks. For example, Cleveland owns five of the Top 100 selections in the 2017 NFL Draft. With that said, a team that lacks high-quality talent needs skilled players. The first round in this draft appears to be solid. Not to mention, Hue Jackson isn’t afraid to roll the dice and make bold moves. Unfortunately, he’s the one who traded two picks for Carson Palmer.

Trade Idea: Oakland sends the 24th overall pick to Cleveland for the 33rd and 65th overall selections.

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No Reddick: At the same time, the 24th pick is a blessing and curse. While prospects may fall to you, game changers don’t always slide that far. Case in point, Temple LB Haason Reddick is the perfect player to fit into the Raiders defense. On the other hand, teams like the Dolphins sit ahead of the Raiders in the draft order. Also, Reggie McKenzie is not the type to draft up in the first. Similarly, he treats his picks like gold. With this in mind, seeing Reddick drafted ahead of the Raiders makes the thought of trading back tolerable.

Building Depth: During this off-season, Oakland lost quality backups and special team aces Trawick, Holmes, and Bates. In addition, CB, S and LB remain woefully thin in talent. Being armed with an extra second or third round pick helps the Raiders shore up deficiencies with players that will eventually start. Donald Penn is in the twilight of his career. In order to start a smooth transition, he needs a rookie apprentice to take his spot when he’s gone.

All things considered, Reggie McKenzie will stand pat at 24, making a sound football decision. His draft board is always a surprise to everyone except him. Be that as it, real interest from teams looking to jump up exists.

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