We’ve made it, folks. Tonight, the Raiders will make a collective fan base either very happy, or the opposite of that (to whatever degree you personally feel). I’m iffy about the 19-spot currently; who will be available and who the front office is likely to target (big pass on A.J. Terrell in the first-round for me, you guys). Best case scenario at 19, in my estimation, is likely a trade-down. We’ll see how things shake out.
For the final mock, I actually provided two: One without trades, and one with. In both scenarios, these are explicitly what I would do, not what I think happens (the latter is anyone’s guess; only Jon Gruden has the keys to that door).
Remember:
12: I think the CeeDee Lamb is a player that both Gruden and Mike Mayock can align and agree on.
19: Versatile and certainly rangy enough to play deep, but coming off a bit of a down year by his standards. Tackles are a concern, but nothing that can’t be cleaned up; don’t miss the forest for the trees with Grant Delpit.
80: Unlikely that Jalen Hurts is available in the 80’s but if this is the case, no-brainer for the Raiders who were connected to him early-on.
81: Willie Gay Jr. adds a hyper-athletic compliment to the Raiders’ revamped linebacking corp.
91: Double-dipping at Mississippi State, don’t get hung-up on Cam Dantzler‘s 40-yard time: He spent his collegiate career locking down opposing receivers in the SEC.
121: Can’t get a feel for Cam Akers‘ draft range, but if he’s sitting around here, easy call as Josh Jacobs back-up/compliment runner who can effectively slot-in as a lead back when/if needed.
159: Big target with sure-hands who was productive. Need more of those.
In this scenario, I sent 19 overall and a 2021 third-round selection to the Colts for their 34th and 44th picks.
12: I think Henry Ruggs III is Gruden’s preferred wideout at 12. He can’t ignore the speed.
34: Sliding down and still securing a corner with CB1-upside; Mayock loves those big school options.
44: Raiders get one of the best play-makers in the draft and a player in Antoine Winfield Jr. who will immediately push for starter reps at free safety.
80: See above, sorry for being boring.
81: Bryan Edwards remained one of “my guys” despite the foot injury. Him and Ruggs complete the wide receiver room upgrades.
91: Amik Robertson has experienced a generous pre-draft surge, and rightfully so. Not sure he’s available this “late”, but don’t let the size fool you as he has legit shut-down potential.
121: The raw-yet-intriguing linebacker with enticing athleticism has been connected to the Raiders in weeks’ past. Name to monitor.
159: Keep rolling the dice along the defensive line, please.
I just don’t get you guys. Why in the world would you draft a qb when they need help in so many areas. Mariota is better backup than most teams have.
If Lamb is available at #12 I really hope the Raiders pick him over Ruggs. I know Ruggs’ speed is very attractive as they look to have someone to compete with Tyrek Hill of the Chiefs, but what the Raiders need to remember is they don’t have a Patrick MaHomes throwing the ball to Ruggs. Lamb would be a far better compliment to Carr, as would Jerry Jeudy.
This is hilarious and useless at the same time. Why not just draft Burrows at 12 and Young at 19? You slot in Hurts at 80 and Akers at 121 when there is no chance they are around then. SMH