Speeding towards the NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an interesting spot. After a free agency period where they’ve attacked the majority of their needs, holes remain and the key to their future successes rest in the draft. However, this draft provides yet another opportunity to excel. The league gets younger. Vegas needs to keep up.
17th Overall (Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech)
In a nutshell, regardless of what people say, Brandon Parker cannot handle the right tackle spot on a full-time basis. As a result, the Raiders choose the standout VaTech tackle. Darrisaw’s feet and ability to not only sustain blocks but counter moves without a dropoff in technique make him an ideal fit. The Raiders will employ two younger tackles that bookend the line.
48th Overall (Richie Grant, S, Central Florida)
The Raiders signed Karl Joseph to fill a one-year gap role within the confines of the defense. If you are honest, realize that he plays best flowing downhill and coverage is not his strong suit. Meanwhile, Grant brings the opposite of what Joseph offers. The Raiders can expect a rangy safety, capable of making plays on the ball while covering the deep middle. Grant provides a potential eraser for Jonathan Abram’s coverage deficiencies.
79th Overall (Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech)
Again, the Raiders signed a veteran like Solomon Thomas to a one-year deal. The former top-five selection struggled to bring any semblance of consistency. On the other hand, Williams features a power aspect despite tipping the scales at 280-285 pounds. Plus, he possesses the speed to close in the backfield and the stop. The Raiders employ a deep defensive line, but one that appears bereft of athletes.
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80th Overall (Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama)
Now, this pick slides into the history of Gruden/Mayock and their love of Alabama/Clemson players. Moses, provided he grades out well medically, gives the Raiders a linebacker with a feel for reading his keys and closing on the target. Moses’ eyes and gut rarely fail him and he sniffs out the ball.
121st Overall (Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas)
Imagine the dearth of talent in the Raiders’ cornerback group. Without a true number one, the team needs a depth upgrade. Nevin Lawson should not make this team. His scary lack of ball skills actually hurts the defense. Now, Rochell would allow the Raiders to use a longer-limbed corner that would fit Gus Bradley’s system seamlessly. Along with ball skills, Rochell shows a willingness to stick his helmet and make tackles.
162nd Overall (Jonathan Cooper, EDGE, Ohio State)
As mentioned, the Raiders sport a depth along the defensive line. However, the stunning lack of burst at end remains a problem. Outside of Yannick Ngakoue and Mxx Crosby, no other end on the roster can get home with explosion. Cooper, at this point in the draft, brings a decent rush palette and ability to win to the table.
167th Overall (Aaron Banks, G, Notre Dame)
Tom Cable, who definitely has Jon Gruden’s ear, advocates for another drafted lineman. This time, Banks, an interior mauler can bide his time. When Banks locks on a defensive tackle, he moves them. With that brutality at depth, the Raiders can withstand injury. Also, do you think Richie Incognito can play a full seventeen-game schedule?
200th Overall (TJ Vasher, WR, Texas Tech)
Imagine Derek Carr throwing jump balls to a six-foot-six receiver. Now, Vasher isn’t a burner but possesses enough burst to gain a little separation. With that immense catch radius, throwing to his vicinity improves the margin for error. Plus, did you really think Jon Gruden would leave the draft without at least one offensive skill position player. On top of that, the Raiders struggle mightily in the red zone, why not improve their chances?