7-Round Mock Draft, Volume II: Post-Combine

We’re inching our way closer to the draft with the weekend in Indianapolis now behind us. Boards will undoubtedly be reshuffled as dozens and dozens of players either helped their stock, or opened up a whole new bag of questions.

I plugged in CBS’s “big board” for some post-Combine fun (over at Fanspeak, as we always do).

Here’s how things worked out for Oakland, shooting from the 24 hole:

Round One (24)

The pick: CB Sidney Jones

I’m on record, and if he’s available, I think Sidney’s the selection at 24. Even post-Combine, that’s where I’m keeping my money. Although his teammate and fellow corner Kevin King was the standout while testing in Indianapolis, I keep going back to the #tape with Jones. A ball hawk that’s drawn comparisons to former-Husky Marcus Peters, his fit with Oakland is obvious.

I will add: CB Gareon Conley makes a ton of sense in this spot, too. The tape looked excellent, despite being overshadowed (at times) by teammate Marshon Lattimore. Conley backed that all up with a strong showing at the Combine, especially during position drills.

UPDATE:

This absolutely sucks. A situation worth monitoring; hope Sidney bounces back.

Still on the board…

DL Malik McDowell“character flags noted” early on, confirmed at the Combine; talent’s there obviously, but probably a pass for McKenzie however.
DL Caleb Brantley — early rumblings have linked Oakland and Brantley, but we also heard his interviews left a lot to be desired at the Combine.
TE Evan Engram — could make the argument for his name at 24, but much prefer the value in the second (he won’t be there).
RB Christian McCaffreythis is my pick at 24 overall, figured I’d switch it up for this mock though.
RB Alvin Kamara — a back that I’m higher on than most, he finished as the top SPARQ tester in Indianapolis.
WR Curtis Samuel — confirmed his top-notch athleticism, Samuel would be an immediate threat from the slot, but can line up in multiple spots – he’s Percy-plus.
FS Obi Melinofwu — jumps out of the gym; concerns about his tenacity on the field.
SS Jabrill Peppers — the most polarizing prospect in this year’s class, the Raiders could use him in the box while sliding Karl Joseph back to free safety.
FS Budda Baker — arguably the best safety in the class, another favorite.
LB Zach Cunningham — one of three linebackers that will be getting first round looks; can play all three spots.

Round Two (56)

The pick: EDGE Jordan Willis

Speaking of big winners at the Combine, Willis had himself a weekend. Many have pointed out how “stiff” he looked at times on tape, amongst other inconsistencies, but the way he tested out answered a lot of questions and probably vaulted him (safely) into the first round discussion. You’re jumping all over this pick in the second if you’re Oakland based on value alone.

If he’s still available, despite the “character concerns”, you probably have to consider DL Caleb Brantley here. While adding another presence on the edge is welcomed (but maybe a luxury in this case), Oakland desperately needs help up the middle. That’s what Brantley brings to the table.

Still on the board…

CB Chidobe Awuzie — still high on Awuzie, who I think is one of the more complete CB’s in this class.
CB Jourdan Lewis — perhaps off Oakland’s board due to height, still the best slot cornerback in this class for my money.
CB Quincy Wilson — built better than teammate Teez Tabor, and tested better, too; think I prefer him in the third round.
CB Kevin King — I also have a third round grade on King, but I bet testing launches him into the second round conversation, if not higher.

Round Three (88)

The pick: FS Josh Jones

Size with the 4.4 speed to match, Jones possesses the ideal build for a safety at the next level, and it’s obvious as soon as you throw on the highlights. His speed and power will get the best of him at times, missing on routine tackles due to over-pursuit or poor technique. However, size allows him to easily play coming down hill, while his aggressiveness and eyes/instincts leave him more than capable in coverage. I think Jones sneaks into the second round when all is said and done (and yes, I’d select him at 56).

Still on the board…

FS Tedric Thompson — I’d be just as content with Thompson here, who isn’t as physical, but has the better range and ball skills (best in class).
TE Bucky Hodges — a “top name” that’s gotten lost in the shuffle in a stellar TE group; hands need work.
CB Ahkello Whitherspoon — the Colorado secondary was really good, and Witherspoon was the top-tester of the bunch.
RB Samaje Perine — the “big back” my mentions are clamoring for.
RB Kareem Hunt — thought he’d test better, but one of the more complete runners in this class (speed, power, hands).

Round Four (130)

The pick: WR Taywan Taylor

The upgrade to Seth Roberts that this offense deserves. Taylor’s going to be really productive from the slot, but does suffer from the occasional body-catch, or two. That’s probably nitpick-y, as we’re looking at a prospect that checks nearly all the boxes. Really clean tape, and ultra-productive despite being the only threat on his roster in college.

https://twitter.com/JoshNorris/status/829751973612224512

Still on the board…

WR Ryan Switzer — will get dinged for height, but some of the best hands and consistent production in this class.
WR Carlos Henderson — coin flip between him and Taylor, for me.
TE George Kittle — surprisingly-athletic in a class with a bunch of not-so-surprising athletes; best blocker of the group?
EDGE Tanoh Kpassagnon — elite size-weight-speed freak, but raw; Raiders linked to him already?
LB Kendell Beckwith — coming off injury, could present some value at a position of need.
RB Brian Hill — fits the punishing, big back mold Oakland may prefer.

Round Five (168)

The pick: TE Jonnu Smith

This is one of those “not-so-surprising” athletes we mentioned above, and your top tight end SPARQ score-holder (94th percentile). Productive, obviously athletic, and I think he can block just as well as some of these other top options. Some concerns with the hands and history of drops, however, hence the round five selection. Banking on the upside here.

Still on the board…

EDGE Ejuan Price — undersized, think Elvis Dumervil.
EDGE Joe Mathis — plenty of injury concerns.
RB Jamaal Williamsstill one of my favorite backs, but completely underwhelmed at the Combine.
LB Jayon Brown — big Jayon fan, who’s ability in coverage is exactly what the Raiders need.

Round Six (208)

The pick: Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Only question with Reeves-Maybin – and it’s a big one – is the health. Couple the injury history with some general size concerns, and you have a talented player who may slip some. Again, arguably the biggest position of need for the Raiders heading into 2017.

Still on the board…

RB Aaron Jones — one of my favorite backs in the class who should continue to rise off an excellent Combine. I think Jones goes a lot higher than most think, but there may not be a better selection in the sixth round if he were to still be hanging around (especially if Oakland doesn’t address running back in either free agency, or early on in the draft).

Round Seven (242)

The pick: CB Jeremy Cutrer

Oakland, ideally, needs to walk away from this draft with two cornerbacks.

I don’t think Cutrer hangs around this late, but he’s an easy player to get on board with if he does. Absolutely looks the part, but a snub due the school he attended I imagine?

Round Seven (244)

The pick: RB Joe Williams

Williams is already 24, and there will be questions about his “love for the game” after an early retirement.

Assuming those questions are answered, Williams is an intriguing option late for the Raiders. He’s known for his speed, but going through the film shows a player who’s effective in between the tackles, and able to work for the tough yards. He definitely pops, due to his burst.

Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive

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