Last week, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Vic Tafur said that if USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams is on the board when the Raiders pick, they won’t pass on him. Considered by many the top prospect in the draft, it’s starting to feel like the USC defensive tackle could actually drop to the Raiders.
Sports Illustrated’s Peter King and ESPN’s Adam Schefter both project Williams to fall to the fourth pick and expect Oakland to scoop him up. King, who has Jacksonville taking Amari Cooper, thinks Oakland will be thrilled to take Williams:
Coach Jack Del Rio, that ol’ USC Trojan, and GM Reggie McKenzie cannot believe their good fortune here. The best player for their defense, where there is a yawning need—a versatile three-technique, three-down, all-over-the-line defensive force, is there at four. As usual, the Raiders have many needs, but a big one on the line gets filled by a rare talent.
Schefter was asked on 95.7 The Game how the top picks may unfold. He believes Jacksonville will pass on Williams for Fowler, allowing Williams to drop to Oakland. “If you get Leonard Williams and Khalil Mack in back-to-back classes, you’ve got the foundation of a great defense for years to come.”