By now it’s common knowledge that the Oakland Raiders and general manager Reggie McKenzie will go defense early and often at the upcoming NFL draft. However, after McKenzie had some fun with reporters stating he’d consider choosing offense, let’s play “devil’s advocate” here at RaiderRamble.com and have some fun of our own.
“Don’t be surprised if I draft all offensive players. How about that?”-McKenzie has a laugh with reporters yet it poses an interesting thought; “What if?”
Who should the Oakland Raiders target?
What would a draft look like that could feature two offensive players that’d be warranted getting taken by a team that desperately needs defense? And not just anywhere in the draft but the first two rounds; well we’ve found them.
Why not try to build a Silver and Black version of the “Greatest Show on Turf” or Peyton Manning’s Colts’ team’s of the previous decade? It’s entirely plausible that a juggernaut offense could outweigh a less than impressive defense. What difference will a defense make if your offense can drop 50 to 60 points a game?
As you dwell on the possibilities of such a shocking turn of events happening at this year’s draft, let’s look at RaiderRamble.com’s latest two round mock under an “offense scenario”.
Pick #24 John Ross, WR, University of Washington
“Speed kills and running a 40-yard dash at 4.22 seconds, that would definitely be the scenario for opposing defenses. Tyreek Hill tore up the league last year while being underutilized early on in Kansas City Chief’s offense under head coach Andy Reid. The Oakland Raiders lacked a “speed freak”-type deep threat to keep safeties honest. In Todd Downing’s rumored vertically aggressive offense, Ross will open up the field for Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, much the same way DeSean Jackson did for the Washington Redskins.”
-Philip Robinson of RaiderRamble.com, @chocP3thunder
Pick #56 D’Onta Foreman, RB, University of Texas
“What does every big nasty offensive line like to do including the Raiders’ own behemoth unit? The answer is run block, and they did that for a committee of running backs last season. So a big beast of a man toting the rock and grinding down the will of his opponents would be something glorious that would excite Raider Nation. Foreman is the big power back this offense is lacking currently with the departure of Latavius Murray. Behind an elite offensive line and playing behind superstar quarterback Derek Carr, Foreman could help elevate the Raiders to draw comparisons to some of the NFL’s greatest offenses.”
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-Philip Robinson of RaiderRamble.com, @chocP3thunder
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