When Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft ended, the rivals of the Oakland Raiders assembled talented draft classes. As a result, the Raiders will have a mountain to climb. With six divisional games, familiarity breeds contempt. In that case, RaiderNation needs to become familiar and contemptuous of the following player.
Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton, SMU WR
In Sutton, Denver gains a big-bodied wideout that looks to dominate corners with sharp route running and physicality. During his time at SMU, Sutton snagged thirty-two scores. Look for Case Keenum to look for Sutton matched up with number two corners.
Royce Freeman, Oregon RB
While Freeman does give the Broncos a big back to salt away the clock and batter defenses, Freeman’s one weakness could prove important. In his stay in Eugene, Freeman tallied over a thousand total touches. Combining him with Devontae Booker gives the Broncos the ability to finally control the clock.
Isaac Yiadom, Boston College CB
When the Broncos parted ways with Aqib Talib, a vacancy opened across from Chris Harris. While not as physical as Talib, Yiadom does bring length, the ability to trail and ball skills to Denver. With their pass rush improving, look for Yiadom to challenge for a starting spot immediately.
Kansas City Chiefs
Breeland Speaks, Ole Miss DL
If you concentrate on Speaks’ film and not his character issues, he paints the picture of versatility. Within Ole Miss’ defense, Speaks operated as a tackle, end, and rush linebacker. In the Chiefs’ scheme, Speaks will see time as a down lineman. His quick first step gets and handfighting helps him win.
Derrick Nnadi, FSU NT
On the other hand, Nnadi is the model of consistency that simply clogs the middle, stopping the run. Nnadi is a bruising nose tackle candidate. In space, he looks lost. Luckily, for him, the Chiefs envision him in the middle.
Dorian O’Daniel, Clemson OLB
O’Daniel timed faster than he usually plays. However, he meets the ballcarrier with aggression and sound wrap-and-drive technique.
Los Angeles Chargers
Uchenna Nwosu, USC Edge
Although many see Nwosu as strictly an edge rusher, the USC standout posses the ability to cover a short area and man the flat. As a rusher, Nwosu tends to use a quick first step with no real rush repertoire. Look for him to see extensive time in nickel packages.
Justin Jones, NC State DT
Jones plays with equal parts power and fight. As a result, he will win on sure determination. In addition, his punch sets up a counter move that keeps offensive off balance.
In essence, these draftees will be the faces of new enemies for the Raiders. Under those consequences, the coaching staff will scheme for them. The Raiders drafting multiple linemen suggests that they are preparing for trench warfare in the AFC West. To that end, the Raiders need all the line help possible.
