2018 Raiders Draft: Rival Watch, Rounds 2-7

The Oakland Raiders observed moves of conference rivals. In that case, fans should also pay attention.

The Patriots were incredibly busy trading back picks throughout the second round as a result, did not have a third round pick. Before the draft started, the Patriots traded the 95th overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown and the 143rd overall pick in fifth round.

The first trade down for New England took place when they traded the 43rd pick in the second round to the Detroit Lions for the 51st and 117th picks.

They traded down again with the Chicago Bears.

The Patriots were incredibly busy trading back picks throughout the second round as a result, did not have a third round pick. Before the draft started, the Patriots traded the 95th overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown and the 143rd overall pick in fifth round.

The first trade down for New England took place when they traded the 43rd pick in the second round to the Detroit Lions for the 51st and 117th picks.

They traded down again from the 51st pick with the Chicago Bears. The Patriots received a second-round pick in 2019 the 105th and 117th picks in this year’s draft.

New England traded up to 56th overall and sent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the 63rd and 117th picks.

New England Patriots

56th overall

Duke Dawson, Cornerback: Florida

After the departure of Pro Bowl cornerback Malcolm Butler in free agency, the Patriots needed depth scheme versatile corners. Other than Rutgers players, Florida cornerbacks are a safe bet. Dawson is great in the slot, physical and has great football intelligence for what a Bill Belichick defense demands.

Pittsburgh Steelers

28th: 60th overall

James Washington, Wide Receiver: Oklahoma State

Washington is the perfect replacement for the Steelers after they traded Martavis Bryant to the Raiders for the 79th overall pick. He is deceptively fast and knows how to beat safeties over the top consistently. He can play the slot along with Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, who can play multiple spots. He has first round talent and can contribute on special teams as well. He averaged almost 20 yards per catch for his career and acts like a running back with the ball in his hands. With his high character and work ethic, he could be even more productive than Bryant ever was.
Jacksonville Jaguars

29th: 61st overall

D.J. Chalk, Wide Receiver, LSU

Another perfect plug and play pick for Jacksonville, Chalk has tremendous upside. At 6’3 with 4.34 speed and a 40 inch vertical, Chalk doesn’t have to be the number one receiver but he has elite return and trick play versatility. He can grow into whatever role the Jaguars need him to be without the pressure of replacing Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson’s production. LSU has been horrid at quarterback for years so his development should rapidly increase in a better offense. Chalk shares a kinship with former LSU teammate and starting running back Leonard Fournette in that they both wore the prestigious number seven as former Tigers.

Round Three

The Steelers traded up three spots (79th) with the Seattle Seahawks (76th) in exchange for the 220th overall pick.

Pittsburgh Steelers

12th: 76th overall

Mason Rudolph, Quarterback: Oklahoma State

Rudolph is a first round talent with underrated athleticism and pocket presence. Due to the massive amount of passing yardage he put up at Oklahoma State, Rudolph arguably is the best deep ball thrower in the draft. He possesses all the arm talent that is desired in a franchise quarterback. With time to develop behind Ben Roethlisberger in an elite offense, Rudolph is in the perfect situation. His Oklahoma State deep threat and favorite target James Washington is his teammate yet again. Ben can walk away whenever he wants with no guilt. Rudolph is almost in an Aaron Rodgers type situation.

28th: 92nd overall

Chuks Okorafor, Offensive Tackle: Western Michigan

After the Cleveland Browns signed away right tackle Chris Hubbard to a five year, $37 million deal, The Steelers lost key depth and a with injuries to Marcus Gilbert recently, they couldn’t afford to pass on a quality tackle. Okorafor was excellent at Western Michigan with an All-American season at left tackle to his credit. His skill set and versatility in playing both tackle spots makes him the perfect swing tackle. Improved technique against multi-move rushers could see the 6’6 behemoth takes over the right tackle spot sooner than later.

In essence, these players will serveas Super Bowl obstacles for the Raiders