With the draft entering it’s final day, the Oakland Raiders look to maximize their selections. As a result, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden do not seem in a hurry to unfold their plan. On Day 2, they traded down twice. With that type of patience, the Raiders selected Clemson CB Trayvon Mullen. After two days, the Raiders still have one last day to craft their roster.
Title Game Scouting
The fact that the Raiders, Mike Mayock loved the 2019 NCAA championship game became clear. While in attendance, Mayock personally scouted the athletes during this game. Granted, Quinnen Williams stood atop of everyone’s draft list. However, where this changes is where Clelin Ferrell fits in. With the rise of Josh Allen and Montez Sweat, many believe Ferrell would fall in the draft. In fact, Mayock believe the opposite. To their credit, the Raiders stuck to their draft board, selecting Ferrell fourth. After that, former Bama back Joshua Jacobs and Clemson CB Trayvon Mullen. As mentioned, Mayock does not appear swayed by anything but his own mind, Jon Gruden and whatever appears in the draft guide.
Linebackers
With four picks on Day 3, the Raiders need to look at their linebackers. Tahir Whitehead cannot cover. Brandon Marshall and Vontaze Burfict should not be more than one year stopgaps. Under those circumstances, the team still needs to address the dearth of overall talent in linebackers. Players like Mack Wilson, Ben Burr-Kirven, and Blake Cashman could immediately step in an contribute in some aspect. Whether it is special teams or subpackages. The team needs help.
Get Home
In watching the Raiders, they do not seem to mind with watching edge rushers fly by without drafting them. After Clelin Ferrell heard his name called, a prevailing thought that the team would pair him with another rookie pass rusher. If you peruse the best available that fit the scheme, these players could attract the Raiders:
Maxx Crosby
Anthony Nelson
Charles Omenihu
Austin Bryant
John Cominsky
If the Raiders intend on improving depth, attacking area of need like this will help them in the years to come.
