The three-day spectacle that is the NFL Draft is vastly approaching. So without further ado, it’s time for the fourth version of RaiderRamble.com’s full seven-round mock draft for the Raiders.
Seven Round Mock 4.0: Raiders Go DL in 1st
Round 1 (10) – Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
The MVP of the CFP is one of the hottest competitors in the process. Defensive tackles earning MVP honors is quite rare and proves what type of specimen Payne truly is. He tallied eight tackles and an interception during the two playoff wins that carried Alabama to a title. Payne possesses a freakish strength that few can handle.
Round 2 (41) – Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Kolton Miller is a massive behemoth of a tackle that stands at 6’8”. He mauls the opposition with his size, especially on run plays. Miller’s the prototypical left tackle with upside that can lead to him taking over for Donald Penn down the line.
Round 3 (75) – DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
A nifty pass catcher who finds ways to get open in tight coverage. He made plausible noise even with Saquon Barkley, the focal point of the entire offense. Hamilton accumulated 18 touchdowns while at Penn State, tied for fourth place in their record books. He’s a dependable guy who can scratch his way into the starting lineup right away.
Round 4 (110) – Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest
This young man gives relentless effort on every down. He played injured throughout the 2017 season and missed the combine due to surgery. Ejiofor overachieved at Wake. His mental toughness and motor will make him a serious threat to see the field early. The “Demon Deacon” ought to be ready by training camp.
Round 5 (159) – Michael Dickson, P, Texas
The consensus #1 punter in the draft. Dickson recently worked out with the Silver & Black after Marquette King was punted out of the building literally. Nearly half of his punts were fair caught, while the other 50% were driven 50 yards and downed inside the twenty-yard line.
Dickson actually received the MVP in the 2017 Texas Bowl victory over Missouri. A Punter was named MVP of a game. That should tell you all you need to know about this young man.
Round 5 (173) – Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan
Phillips is a return specialist with a nose for the end zone as he tallied 14 total trips to the house in his WMU career.
He ran a 4.5 forty yard dash at the combine, then improved to a 4.4 at his pro day. He performed notably against national powers USC and Michigan State with two turnovers and scored twice. However, the secondary sensation must work on facing the run at the next level.
Round 6 (185) – Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
Coming off an injury-plagued 2017, Cichy still holds loads of potential when healthy. The walk-on stepped into the starting gig and put up major numbers in limited time. He would have been a much higher selection had he not gotten injured. Safe to say that Cichy is the epitome of a Big Ten linebacker for sure.
Round 6 (212) – Phillip Lindsay, RB, Colorado
Standing at 5’8″, Lindsay certainly plays way bigger than what he measures up. Runs like his life depended on it while giving it 100% constantly. Ran for 30 touchdowns and over 1,700 yards in his last two years in Boulder. Added 53 snags as a junior and surprisingly can block relatively well. He’s a proven talent with all the heart packed into his below average frame.
Lindsay will undoubtedly get questioned if his size becomes a detriment to how long he can stay in the NFL for sure. “I don’t think his size will keep him from being successful. It will keep him from being drafted on the first two days, but that’s it. — AFC team area scout
Round 6 (216)Â – Skai Moore, LB, South Carolina
Tied for the all-time lead in pick-offs as a South Carolina Gamecock. Moore has a knack for being around the football and is willing to give everything on every snap. He was routinely productive in the top conference in the nation for a turnover reliant defense.
Posted a 4.7 forty time and is undersized at 226 pounds which will bring up concerns if he can last as a tweener in the NFL.
Round 6 (217)Â – Jullian Taylor, DT, Temple
Taylor jumped off the tape vehemently. He’s got a burst that not many could handle. Taylor is overly powerful and can manhandle opponents. Unfortunately, the Temple grad dealt with severe injuries and only played one full year. However, decision-makers will have to take a second peek or first at this breakout, buzz-worthy Temple Owl.
Round 7 (228)Â – Jacob Ohnesorge, C, South Dakota State
A developmental lineman to stash away and teach. Multi-first teamer in the SEC conference of the FCS (Missouri Valley Conference). He has the ability to blow people off the line with sneaky power and has a wealth of experience as a starter. Finds ways to open holes for his backfield mates.
Ohnesorge will need time to learn against the practice squad to see whether he can cut it or not.
Enjoy responsibly and until next time, Ramble On, Raider Nation.
