2017 Raiders Mock Draft: Getting More Defensive
All of a sudden, the calendar turns to April and the Raiders find themselves inching closer to the NFL Draft. The prevailing thought is that GM Reggie McKenzie isn’t going to splurge on any big-name free agents. As a result, the draft looms large. With a few tweaks, here’s one possible scenario.
Round 1:
Raekwon McMillan LB, Ohio State
Reasoning: While the Raiders have a talented front seven, the LB corps lacks that playmaker to patrol the inside. While Perry Riley gives you heart and toughness, his limitations in coverage hurt the team. McMillan brings a free-flowing acceleration to the field. Provided Haason Reddick and Zach Cunningham are off the board, McMillan is a sound pick at 24.
Round 2:
Cordrea Tankersley CB, Clemson
Reasoning: Initially, experts figured King for a mid-round selection after his superb combine. Yet, with the run on other positions, he could fall to the Raiders. Tankersley’s length and build are what Reggie McKenzie wants from his corners. On the other hand, Tankersley’s ball skills are a welcome addition to a unit that lacked that trait.
Samaje Perine RB, Oklahoma
Reasoning: During Reggie McKenzie’s tenure, he hasn’t shown the want to draft a RB high. Yet, many running backs don’t bring the tackle breaking ferocity of Perine. With the three-headed monster in the backfield, Perine’s low center of gravity provided Oakland with the hammer to churn out tough yards. Sooner or later, the team needs to find a replacement for Latavius Murray.
Round 4:
Daeshon Hall DE, Texas A&M
Reasoning: Outside of Khalil Mack and the cameo by Bruce Irvin, where can the Raiders look to for quality DE depth? Hall possesses the size (6’5, 267 pounds) and strength along with speed to get the edge on tackles. Therefore, Hall’s presence gives de facto DC John Pagano another versatile rusher.
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Round 5
Jermaine Eluemunor OT, Texas A&M
Reasoning: Without delay, the void at right tackle needs filling. Austin Howard does not appear to close the hole. Eluemunor brings power, combined with decent feet on the outside to meet speed. In addition, his punch will thwart the bull rushers. For the most part, line depth remains an issue.
Round 6
Delano Hill S, Michigan
Reasoning: Reggie Nelson begins his final season in Oakland. Where is the understudy? Hill could serve as an apprentice. To begin with, Hill can cover the deep middle, track the ball well, and stick his nose in there. While he waits his turns, special teams needs his attention. In the meantime, getting field time is a priority.
Round 7
Josh Tupou, DT Colorado
Reasoning: With Edwards and Ward occupy the athletic DT; the team lacks a true pocket crusher. Dan Williams and Justin Ellis suffered through a rough 2016. With that said, Tupou is not fancy, just a pile moving nose that uses solid power to clog running lanes. For this reason, this late round pick makes sense.
Round 7
Cameron Tom C, Kentucky
Reasoning: The depth chart lists Jon Feliciano as the backup center. With all due respect, that concerns many. Tom is a quick-footed project that could learn behind Hudson. His selection would upgrade the overall offensive line depth. Before this pick gets dismmissed, remember when Hudson injured himself versus the Texans?
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