With the NFL Draft looming ever closer, all Raiders fans await to know what general manager Mike Mayock has in mind. Him trading up on draft day would certainly send waves throughout the NFL.
Trades are part of the intrigue that the NFL Draft brings to television sets even if this year’s format will be different. That being said, that kind of transactions can still happen and depending who is available at the moment, the Raiders could certainly pull the trigger if they feel their “guy” is slipping away.
Josh Schrock of NBC Sports recently looked at some possibilities for the Raiders, in particular, one that would set the NFL world on fire if the Silver and Black traded for a possible superstar.
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Could Simmons and Okudah be in play for the Raiders?
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther already has an improved defensive roster, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders can’t use an elite prospect such as Jeff Okudah or Isaiah Simmons.
Shrock laid out a possible scenario involving the Panthers and the Raiders.
“If one or both [Simmons and Okudah] still are available when the Carolina Panthers go on the clock at No. 7, could the Raiders really pass on making a move up perhaps packaging the No. 12 pick, a third-round pick and future a pick to take either Okudah — a lockdown corner who reminds scouts of Jalen Ramsey — or Simmons — a mutant athlete.”
When you talk about either Simmons or Okudah joining this Raiders squad, the possibilities are endless, especially if it’s Simmons. As Schrock said about Simmons, “[Simmons] can play linebacker, rush off the edge, cover in the slot or play safety…” As for Okudah, the Raiders would get an instant starting cornerback opposite of Trayvon Mullen. You’d have Johnathan Abram, Damarious Randall, and a duo of Okudah/Mullen, yikes. Raider Nation would be salivating, to say the least at this prospect.
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