The Raider Ramble brings you a four-round mock in which the Raiders go defense in the first three rounds, let us know what you think in the comment section, Raider Nation! With the NFL playoffs in full swing and the Super Bowl ever closer it’s nearly time for the offseason and with it, the NFL draft. Soon the Raiders will have big decisions to make in terms of their roster and the type of defense and offense they want to run. And after a very disappointing campaign it’s more than likely several players will be released, or some will test the water on the open market.
Furthermore, it’s nearly time for all the college football players who have declared for the draft to find out where their destinies await in the NFL.
This brings me to my first mock draft using Matt Miller’s Big Board and based on Fanspeak’s team needs.
Round 1 – Roquan Smith (LB) – Georgia
Not only is he a Top 10 pick in my view but he is an incredible linebacker who could make an immediate impact on the Raiders defense. There has been a glaring hole at the LB position for the Raiders in recent years and adding an explosive hard-hitting player would be a huge pickup in the first round.
Only time will tell if he’s on the board as his stock is surely going to continue rising once he attends the combine and scouts see his huge potential up close.
Stats
- 137 total tackles solo 85 assisted 52
- Loss average 14.0
- Sacks 6.5
- Forced fumble 1
- Fumble recoveries 2
Round 2 – Da’Ron Payne (DL) – Alabama
Another position of need for the Raiders is on the defensive line which the team could really use to back up Mario Edwards Jr. who has suffered injuries the last couple of years. Payne looked very impressive against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl showing good strength and ability. His size and strength could really help the Raiders create more threats to the quarterback as he is very mobile for a 300 lbs+ linemen.
Stats
- Tackles total 53 solo 21 assisted 32
- Loss average 1.0
- Sacks 1.0
- Interceptions 1.0
- Fumble recoveries 1.0
Round 3 – Josh Sweat (DE) – Florida State
Another component that needs adding to the Raiders roster is the Edge position to help compliment the all-world Khalil Mack.
Josh Sweat would be a very good value pick in the third round. He is a big solid DE with room to progress in his game and would be a big physical rusher against the quarterback. In addition to the potential progress, he is a very big defensive end standing at 6’5″ meaning he could cause mismatches with rookie offensive linemen.
Stats
- Tackles total 56 solo 31 assisted 25
- Loss average 12.5
- Sacks 5.5
Round 4 – Josh Adams (RB) – Notre Dame
With Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington failing to impress last year and “Beast Mode” aging, the Raiders could very well look to add a long-term running back in this year’s draft.
Josh Adams from Notre Dame is flying under the radar with all of the hype surrounding other “big names.” Adams stands at 6’2″ and uses every inch of his being to wear down opposing defenses. In his last season with the Fighting Irish, he averaged 132 yards per game. Provided that Adams indeed falls into the fourth round he could be the steal of the 2018 NFL draft.
Stats
- Rushing attempts 206
- Rushing yards 1430 average 6.9
- Rushing TD’s 9
- Receptions 13 for 101 yards
All stats via sports-reference*
