Mocking the Mocks: 3-Rounds with PFF

Early-April edition. Let’s get right into it.

First Round

Take: Arguably the best running back in the class for many – the same folks who view him as a lock for the top ten or fifteen – the Raiders’ seemingly stumbled on a heck of a bargain in PFF’s latest. For those who have been following me for a bit now, you know my thoughts don’t necessarily “align” with PFF or other’s when it comes to Leonard Fournette. There are about half-a-dozen backs I’d take before Fournette in this class, personally. I’m also curious about the fit. Many dislike the idea of signing a player like Adrian Peterson due to his deficiencies from shotgun. Fournette should face similar criticisms, albeit he’s obviously younger (and freakishly athletic in his own right). All things considered, you have to like the fit in Oakland, where that offensive line will make almost any running back look good. I’m not thrilled by the selection, but I can also think of a few other names that’ll get me a bit more worked up at 24 overall.

Subtle shade with the ‘Bama commentary. That’s juicy. Moving on…

Second Round

Take: Kevin King fits the Ted Thompson (Al Davis/Ron Wolf) “mold” with what they look for in a corner. Reggie McKenzie included. Much like Fournette, there’s plenty of buzz surrounding King’s name. First and foremost, he absolutely set the Combine ablaze. Quickly looking back at notes, his 3-cone and short-shuttle were the best amongst all Combine participants. 39.5″ vertical coupled with a 4.43 is exactly how you make a lot of money. The first round talk for me is a bit much, but his stock is definitely on the rise. Landing him at 56 is pretty strong value at a position where the Raiders definitely need some assistance; both now, and in the immediate future.

https://twitter.com/JoshNorris/status/848245433344380928

Third Round

Take: Speaking of value, Raekwon McMillan at 88 overall is basically stealing. I’m not sure a player has risen more on “my board” than McMillan, between now and the Combine. Currently the LB2, only behind some kid from Alabama. He answered many of the questions I had about him and validated a ton of tape. Coming into things, I had McMillan going at some point in the third round. The more I watched, and re-watched, I’m hoping he’s still around by the time the Raiders’ are on the clock at 56. His work against the run is notable, and I think I was selling him well-short on the coverage side of things. The way he tested, again, eased a lot of those concerns. For Oakland, you’re getting a starting Mike-backer in the third round. That’s how you start to revamp that second level.

Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive

Share: