Jon Gruden and/or Mike Mayock made a couple of phone calls on Friday evening, and ended up moving down the board twice, before eventually making their pick in the second-round. As a result, the Raiders tacked on an additional fourth-round selection, as well as adding a choice in the fifth-round, bringing their total haul entering Day 3 to two 4’s (106 and 109 overall), one 5 (158 overall), and a 7 (218 overall). As we move deeper into the draft, these selections are largely inconsequential. However, there is still clearly talent out there, and sharp teams are able to identify and capitalize on the value those players present at this point. Let’s re-stack the board and go position-by-position and attempt to figure out who makes sense for the Raiders specifically.
Quarterback
Gruden was, surprisingly, true to his word through two days of the draft. Derek Carr is clearly entrenched (for this season anyway), and an early-round quarterback was not in play for Oakland. Now, that’s not to say the Raiders aren’t going to add another camp arm later on in this draft. The Raiders have been most closely linked to North Carolina State’s Ryan Finley, so that’s the only name I’ll jot down here. Moving along…
Running Back
Josh Jacobs landed in an ideal situation in a post-Marshawn Lynch world. A first-round investment gives the Raiders what should be their new RB1. In addition to Jacobs, Gruden recently acquired Isaiah Crowell via free agency in addition to re-signing Jalen Richard. DeAndre Washington is still hanging around, and notable preseason “superstar” and fan favorite Chris Warren figures to get a shot at RB3 work in camp, so I’d consider this position group buttoned-up for now.
Wide Receiver
The Raiders roll into the 2019 season with a completely revamped wide receiver corp. We know about the big names in Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams. There’s also second-year player Marcell Ateman, as well as free agents J.J. Nelson and Ryan Grant. I specifically like Grant, but there is certainly room to upgrade the WR3 spot. Although I’m not sure it’s high on the priority list, Gruden has pounded the table recently, and wants to have the best wide receiver group in the league. There are plenty of options left in this class that are worthy to add into the fray: Hakeem Butler, Emanuel Hall, Preston Williams, Darius Slayton, Kelvin Harmon, Stanley Morgan Jr., Gary Jennings Jr., Anthony Ratliff-Williams, Greg Dortch, and Terry Godwin.
Tight End
Jared Cook walked in free agency, so there is an obvious hole to fill in Oakland. The Raiders have watched all the top talent at the position go off the board at this point, but there are still some options that I’d be content with: Alize Mack, Foster Moreau, Kaden Smith, Dax Raymond, and Caleb Wilson.
Offensive Line
There has been plenty of talk about the Raiders’ front office looking to bolster the interior of the line given the departure of Kelechi Osemele. This is who you’re looking at: Michael Jordan, Dru Samia, Ben Powers, Phil Haynes, Lamont Gaillard, and Vic Tafur-favorite, Hjalte Froholdt.
Defensive Line
Gruden and the gang opted to pass on Houston’s Ed Oliver at 4 overall in favor of some help on the edge. Perhaps they’re content with Mo Hurst and fellow sophomore player P.J. Hall manning the middle, but adding serviceable depth is always a good idea (and I believe a few of these names can more than likely push the latter): Gerald Willis, Kingsley Keke, Renell Wren, Isaiah Buggs, Daniel Wise, John Cominsky, Michael Dogbe, and Armon Watts.
Edge Defender
The Raiders’ most obvious and glaring need entering the draft, the front office contingent attempted to right the ship by selecting Clelin Ferrell at 4 overall. Still, the need remains, and depth (at the very least) is at the top of the to-do list. One of these guys should help the cause: Anthony Nelson, Charles Omenihu, Christian Miller, Maxx Crosby, Jordan Brailford, Justin Hollins, and Malik Carney.
Linebacker
The position group that’s in a perpetual state of requiring an upgrade, it seems. This year is no different, although Gruden has brought himself some time by signing both Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall via free agency. Still, neither player represents a long-term solution, which is where the draft may come into play: Vosean Joseph, Te’von Coney, Mack Wilson, David Long, Blake Cashman, Drue Tranquill, Ben Burr-Kirven, Terrill Hanks, Ulysees Gilbert, and Jordan Jones.
Cornerback
Oakland used a top-40 pick on Clemson CB Trayvon Mullen, who should get the chance to start opposite Gareon Conley. Much like linebacker, corner seems to be another position group that consistently comes up in conversation, requiring an injection of talent. I’d keep throwing darts: Amani Oruwariye, Julian Love, Kendall Sheffield, Corey Ballentine, Isaiah Johnson, Michael Jackson, Saivion Smith, and Jimmy Moreland.
Safety
Lamarcus Joyner got paid, and experienced his best season as a pro at free safety in Los Angeles (although he’ll slot in at nickel in Oakland, we’re told). The Raiders also picked up Karl Joseph’s fifth-year option, which makes the drafting of Johnathan Abram at 27 overall on Thursday a little more curious. Either way, for as suspect as the defensive back-end has been for all these years, more fliers are always welcomed: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Amani Hooker, Deionte Thompson, Jaquon Johnson, Sheldrick Redwine, Saquan Hampton, and Evan Worthington.
My ideal (but also an attempt to be realistic) Day 3 mock draft:
Fourth round, 106 overall — EDGE Anthony Nelson
Fourth round, 109 (trade with JAX) — CB Jimmy Moreland
Fifth round, 158 overall (trade with BUF) — TE Alize Mack
Seventh round, 218 overall — WR Greg Dortch
Let’s talk about it. Happy Saturday, everyone.
Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive
Didnt address Guard? Heres mine
106- Mack Wilson
109- Mike Jordan
158- Omenihu or Crosby
218- Foster Moreau
please no QB’s. Nobody talented enough to supplant what we have as backups. Besides, after this stupidly tough season Gruden can go get someone he can lose with next year