Raiders AFC Rivals: NE, JAX, and PIT Round One Picks

When the Oakland Raiders hit the field for real in September, they will have to keep a sharp eye on the AFC. As a result, playoff rivals merit monitoring. Chances are, the Raiders will meet one of these teams in the playoffs. In that case, let’s check their picks.

New England Patriots

Picks: 23rd & 31st overall

23rd: Isaiah Wynn, OT/OG: Georgia

With the loss of left tackle Nate Solder in free agency, the Patriots needed an athletic, pro ready prospect & Wynn fits that profile. His position versatility & technique are some of his best assets. He can step in and start at guard or tackle and is dominant in run blocking.

31st: Sony Michel, RB: Georgia

If drafting Isaiah Wynn was a smart choice, then drafting the running back he blocked for is a no-brainer. Michel is almost an Alvin Kamara clone with the difference being that Kamara is better in the pass game & Michel being a better runner. He can grow into a future starter & take reps from the likes of free agent signing Jeremy Hill & Rex Burkhead. He is a complete upgrade over current Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis. Michel can return kicks, punts & eventually be an every down back. Patriots take Michel over Derrius Guice to fulfill two needs with two Georgia Bulldog teammates.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: 28th overall

28th: Terrell Edmunds, Safety: Virginia Tech

Brother of Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmonds, Terrell & Tremaine are the only brothers in NFL history to be drafted in the first round. Terrell owns great ball skills and athleticism. His 4.47 40 and 41.5 inch vertical put to bed any issues with coverage limitations. Edmonds was a corner that switched to strong safety and is a tone setter in the secondary. Free agent signing Morgan Burnett can play free or strong safety so Edmonds can ease into whatever position the Steelers need him to be. The only issue is that Terrell was not expected to go higher than the third round but the Steelers fixed their problems at safety with this pick.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: 29th overall

29th: Taven Bryan, Defensive Tackle: Florida

The supremely athletic Bryan does not have to even leave the state and the Jaguars have their three technique of the future. Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell are near the end of their careers but the pairing of Bryan matched with Dante Fowler Jr and Yannick Ngakoue ensures a young nucleus will be in place. Bryan can be molded and developed slowly and surely. He schematically fits the Jaguars and they did not have to reach for other positions.