2018 Draft: Final, 7-Round Mock Draft

   April 26, 2018

Around this time last year, I hit on CB Gareon Conley at 24 overall in my final mock draft for 2017.

To this point, I’ve only put together a four-round, pre-Combine mock which can be reviewed here. Some things have changed since then, of course.

The draft is really only four rounds, but I went ahead and tossed some Day 3 darts as mocks tend to be super-popular in general. Please keep in mind this is “what I would do”, but I tried to keep it as realistic as possible with who’s going to be available when. I also tried to pick players that meet Reggie McKenzie’s thresholds. My good friend Nick Hjeltness does a fantastic job outlining just what that really means here.

These were my results:

Obviously this was all done on Fanspeak. Additionally, I used NFL Rough Draft’s big board, which is currently top 8 of 49 in The Huddle Reports’ five-year average. They’re pretty good at this stuff.

Round 1 (10 Overall):

I already wrote about what I’d do at 10 overall here.

These are Vic Tafur’s thoughts at 10 overall, who I personally consider the best Raiders’ beat reporter in the game.

I didn’t care to mock any trades in this scenario, in order to keep things clean, but I think there are a few logical ways this all plays out Thursday evening:

Scenario 1: Raiders stay at 10 overall and select one of the top-tier defenders available. Realistically, this list includes (in no order) Roquan Smith, Minkah Fitzpatrick, or Derwin James. I think Denzel Ward needs to be considered, as well.

Scenario 2: Raiders stay at 10 overall and reach for an offensive tackle which could include either Mike McGlinchey or Kolton Miller. The latter choice would be disastrous and embarrassing. No two ways around it.

Scariness 3: Raiders trade out of 10 and end up sliding down, and still going offensive tackle. They should still be embarrassed if Kolton Miller’s the selection anywhere on Day 1.

Round 2 (41 Overall):

The latest “buzz” around Michigan’s Mo Hurst is that he’s a Day 3 prospect given the majority of team’s consensus surrounding his heart. For me, he’s still a top 10 player (I obviously do not have access to medical reports). So if he’s hanging around at 41 or at any point thereafter, it’s a no-brainer.

Round 3 (75 Overall):

Mike Gesicki has a 1-2 grade from NFL Draft Scout. He’s the Consensus Boards‘ number 46 overall prospect, and the TE2. In this scenario, which feels a little unlikely (he’s my TE1 and a top 32 player), this selection just screams value. Hayden Hurst has first-round buzz for some reason, and players like Dallas Goedert may leapfrog the former volleyball player. TE isn’t a “need” that stands out for Oakland, but adding a freak-athlete and dynamic red zone threat is not a bad thing.

Round 4 (110 Overall):

In the 4th, the Raiders land their running back of the future in Royce Freeman. He tested very well for his size, while the production at Oregon really needs no explanation. In a stacked class, Freeman’s flown under the radar to this point. He’s a solid receiver, while also being a consistent option between the tackles. He’s your prototypical bell cow running back.

Round 5 (159 Overall):

Is 159 too early for a punter? J.K. Scott fills in for Marquette King, who signed with Denver after being cut. Scott is the draft’s consensus second-best punter (I think Michael Dickson goes in the 4th round).

Round 5 (173 Overall):

Assuming the Raiders see Minkah Fitzpatrick in more of the box/nickle-type role, the Raider grab their first cornerback in Parry Nickerson in the 5th round. A PFF favorite, Nickerson is built a touch shorter around 5’10”, so he may be another candidate for slot-only work. I think his ceiling is higher. In coverage, his ball skills are supreme.

Round 6 (185 Overall):

Deontay Burnett checks some of the boxes that I believe this new Raiders’ staff will be looking for in a wideout. At the top of that list is feet; Burnett’s foot quickness is very good. He’ll work primarily out of the slot at the next level. He caught 9 touchdowns in 2017.

Round 6 (212 Overall):

Back-to-back wide receivers for Jon Gruden. I’d take Justin Watson as early as the 4th round. Both his production and athletic profile are notable. The only thing keeping him out of the earlier rounds is perhaps his ability in the open field and after the catch. Watson doesn’t “move” as athletically as you would like at times. Upside is obvious given his measurables.

Round 6 (216 Overall):

Even with the Raiders kicking Bruce Irvin, who turns 31 in November, to full-time pass rusher, the need at edge defender still remains. Joe Ostman filled up box scores in 2017 with 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He also is the recipient all my favorite clichés such as “gym rat”, “first in, last out”, the ability to consistently “outwork you”, etc.

Round 6 (217 Overall):

I don’t see Tegray Scales falling this far. He’s strong and has been productive while at school. He has Day 2-or-better instincts. Raiders could work him inside in the event NaVorro Bowman doesn’t return, or even run him outside. Versatility will work in his benefit.

Round 7 (228 Overall):

Zachary Crabtree will provide some camp reps at right tackle.

Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive

Share:

3 thoughts on “2018 Draft: Final, 7-Round Mock Draft”

  1. I’ve been a Raider fan for over 50 years as I will be 73 on Sunday. I think these players sign a contract, they should play it out and not put the team in a cap bind. That goes for Carr as well they should have let him play out his 4th year deal. He isn’t going any where and I’m sure he wouldn’t have cost them that much more. As for Mack I think he needs to get his *** into camp, he has a contract he signed. I think we should trade him to Cleveland for their 1st & 4th picks & get some good young players we need.

    1. Wow, Raider Phil! I doubt the Browns would think that’s a good trade 🙂
      This mock is interesting—but what about the O line? And I don’t think Gesicki is going to be around at 75.

Comments are closed.