The offer must be proper (and then some) and their draft board must align, however, for the Oakland Raiders to maneuver up or down the 2019 NFL Draft, they must have a willing trade partner. It takes two to tango, baby.
Let’s get some particulars out of the way:
· Oakland has three first-round picks (No. 4, 24 and 27) at their disposal.
· New York (Giants) have a pair of 1sts (No. 6 and 17).
· Green Bay sports two (No. 12 and 30), too.
· Cleveland, Chicago, Dallas and New Orleans are without first-round selections.
As you can see, the Raiders aren’t the only squad with first-round draft capital to make moves — if they wish.
Based off both general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden’s regard to the draft, it doesn’t appear the Raiders are married to their first-round selections. The team can conceivably move either up or down the opening stanza’s ladder to attain a prospect they covet or gain even more ammunition to stock the cupboard later in the 2019 or in the future 2020 draft.
The Trade Partners
Quarterback-needy teams jump out right away as potential trade partners for Oakland. Flip the coin, and there’s only two viable spots for the Raiders to trade up for a prospect.
Giants: At 38 years old, Eli Manning is on the last leg of the G-Men QB marathon. While he did complete 66 percent of his passes for 4,299 yards and a 21-11 touchdown to interception mark, New York needs to nab his successor soon. Ohio State’s Dwyane Haskins fits into the mold of strong-armed pocket passer. And he’ll likely be there at 4 when the Raiders are on the clock. Mayock and Gruden can, by all rights, ask for the No. 6 and 17 picks in exchange.
Redskins: Jay hollering at big brother Jon isn’t as far-fetched as you imagine. A horrific injury to Alex Smith left the QB position in shambles. Sure, Washington traded for Case Keenum, but the 31-year-old hasn’t proven to be a franchise type of guy. Backup Colt McCoy isn’t a sound option either. Like their NFC East rival Giants, landing Haskins would ensure future stability at the quarterback position. And wouldn’t it stick in the G-Men’s craw if Haskins ends up with a division foe?
The only prospect the Raiders reportedly covet that requires a trade up is Ohio State pass rusher Nick Bosa. The Buckeye’s defender isn’t thought of getting past the No. 2 pick (49ers) if Arizona passes on him in favor of QB Kyler Murray. That would mean the Raiders striking a deal with their Bay Area counterpart and parting with two of Oakland’s top 35 picks.
The Wildcards
There are two (both New York-variety): The Jets and Giants. Gang Green rang the proverbial dinner bell to quarterback-starved teams by stating “we’re open for business” regarding the No. 3 overall pick. The team is reportedly eager to trade down and fall in a draft sweet spot at the third pick, one before the Raiders.
The G-Men, on the other hand, have maverick GM Dave Gettleman calling the shots and, based off recent roster moves, could package the 6th and 17th picks to move as high as No. 2 to nab a quarterback – despite his public stance that Eli Manning is his foreseeable signal caller.
Realistically
The No. 4 overall pick requires too many moving parts considering the desired compensation between Oakland and a trade partner. The two picks that are more likely to be dealt are No. 24 and 27. Considering the Raiders are slated to watch 71 names be called before they pick again from their second-round pick (35th overall) to the fourth rounder (106th), shipping off one of the latter first rounders can help recoup the missing third rounder (sent to Pittsburgh for Antonio Brown) and then some.
