2018 Draft: Round 2 Targets

Let’s just ignore the selection at 15 overall for now.

I don’t want to talk about it, and honestly, I’m not quite sure when I’ll be ready to talk about it.

Instead, let’s open the old big board up, and see what talent and value may present itself heading into Round 2:

Top 100 players for the 2018 NFL Draft. I think you'll agree with all of my rankings and not find one thing to be upset about. Enjoy: https://t.co/PVWkmRtJEX

— ryan (@StillRyanFive) April 26, 2018

Below are the top options left on (my) board; I’ll put the player’s ranking inside parenthesis. Who’s making it to 41 overall (assuming Oakland keeps the pick)?

IDL Maurice Hurst (8)

I suspect the fall for 2018’s premiere interior defensive linemen will continue through Round 2, and perhaps even Round 3 and beyond. We’re told that he may be a Day 3 player now due to the medical “unknowns”. But, from what I have access to, he’s still a top talent. Value will be had wherever he may land.

RB Derrius Guice (9)

We saw both Rashaad Penny (27 to Seattle) and Sony Michel (31 to New England) go before the draft’s RB2 in Derrius Guice. There was much made about his “personality” and “background” leading up to the draft. I see a runner who’s talent-level is close enough to Saquon Barkley; a true difference-maker at the next level. He’s a top 10 player.

EDGE Harold Landry (10)

I’m going to assume the slide was for medical reasons. At this point in the draft, I imagine the value is starting to line up. Raiders could still use help on the edge, despite Bruce Irvin’s position change.

RB Nick Chubb (17)

My RB3. Tested impressively at the Combine. We know what his early impact was at Georgia, and showed plenty of flashes to close out his career post-injury. I’m still banking on that high-end, do-it-all option out of the backfield. Oakland could have their successor to Marshawn Lynch as early as Round 2, or maybe even into Round 3?

CB Isaiah Oliver (19)

This year’s CB2 is a heck of an athlete. For the Raiders, I imagine that he’d push new cornerback Rashaan Melvin right away. Despite the veteran additions via free agency, Oakland’s needs younger, more talented, and higher-upside options heading into the season.

CB Quenton Meeks (26)

Another option at cornerback, and one of the more intelligent players in this year’s class. I have him as a first-round prospect, but he may slide well into Round 3, more realistically. He’s already been picking the brain of one of the great’s in Richard Sherman. Iron sharpens iron.

TE Mike Gesicki (27)

The former-Nittany Lion is the only tight end from this year’s class that was carrying a first-round grade for me (TE1). He’s the freakiest athlete at the position since 2006 Vernon Davis. Imagine adding him to an offense that already consists of Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, and now Martavis Bryant (yes, that happened Thursday evening as well). All the touchdowns.

SS Ronnie Harrison (28)

As we know, the Raiders’ front office (see: Jon Gruden and Tom Cable) made the conscious decision to pass on Derwin James at 15 overall. Ronnie Harrison plays a similar role, and is versatile in his own right, so this pick may present some enticing value. Then again, passing on the aforementioned James may signal their trust and willingness to move forward with last year’s second-round choice, Obi Melifonwu.

EDGE Josh Sweat (29)

Much like Harold Landry, medical’s are probably the cause for Sweat’s slide down draft boards. His eventual selection, alma mater aside, would feel very Mario Edwards Jr.-ish. I think these are players that, coming out of school, didn’t really hit the ceilings that they were capable of. Josh Sweat carries a 95th percentile SPARQ score and would fill arguably the Raiders’ biggest position of need.

LB Jerome Baker (37)

Considered undersized by many, I came away impressed with Baker’s obvious athleticism on the field. He moves around effortlessly compared to other linebackers, and would answer some questions in coverage for the Raiders (an area that we know has been exploited often). Build does not deter him; one of the more relentless players I watched and re-watched this offseason.

Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive