Raiders Draft

Raiders Draft: 3 Round Mock Draft

The 2020 NFL draft is less than a week away, and so much uncertainty is still in the air. COVID-19 has changed the way the Las Vegas Raiders scout, interview, and even draft new prospects. Watching it all play out is going to be very different from past years. One thing that isn’t different is sportswriters like myself taking a few shots in the dark with mock drafts.

I’m gonna do three rounds and regrettably, it won’t be very accurate because:

A) Mock drafts literally never are.

B) there will likely be quite a few trades.

I think the Raiders will trade back from No. 19 to pick up a second round selection, and the Broncos will jump ahead to get a wide receiver. Dollars to donuts, Bill Belichick will trade back.

Raiders Draft: Ryan’s Three-Round Mock

Round One

1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

This is pretty much a done deal. It wouldn’t surprise me if Burrow already has the Bengals playbook. Head coach Zac Taylor likes to pass the ball, and Burrow looks good passing the ball, it’s a match made in heaven.

2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State

Young may be the best player in this draft. Defensive guru Ron Rivera gets a huge piece for his defense with the stud pass rusher from Ohio State. A lot of mock drafts get cute with this pick, but I bet the Redskins would trade down before they take anyone but Young at number two overall.

3. Detroit Lions- Isaiah Simmons, Everything, Clemson

This is the first “real” pick in this draft IMO. The Lions could do a few different things here. They could take a quarterback, they might take this draft’s best corner, or they could take Isaiah Simmons, the defensive swiss army knife from Clemson. I mock them Simmons because I believe defensive “mastermind” Matt Patricia could get more value out of a versatile linebacker than a shutdown corner.

4. New York Giants- Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa

Offensive line is always a boring pick, but the Giants have a stud tailback and a young quarterback to protect. This has been an issue for the Giants for years.

5. Miami Dolphins- Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

A year ago, Tagovailoa to Miami seemed like an obvious first overall pick. But he got hurt, the Dolphins accidentally won a few games, and Joe Burrow exploded at LSU. The Phins already have Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen on the depth chart, so Tagovailoa can heal up and learn the playbook as Reggie McKenzie and company build up the team.

6. Los Angeles Chargers- Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

With Philip Rivers gone, the Chargers need a quarterback. With Burrow and Tagovailoa off the board, Herbert is the best quarterback available, it’s too easy.

7. Carolina Panthers- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State

Astonishingly, the best corner in this draft, a certified “can’t miss” pick, falls all the way to seven. But in a league where quarterbacks, the men who pursue them, and the ones who protect them are highly valued, skill position players take a hit.

8. Arizona Cardinals- Jedrick Willis, OL, Alabama

The Cardinals would’ve been one of the favorites to take a wide receiver not that long ago, but with the trade for DeAndre Hopkins, they’re actually pretty set at the position. Instead, they turn their focus to their offensive line, as they put together a unit to protect Kyler Murray.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

Derrick Brown might not be the sexiest pick, but he’s one of the best players in this draft, and a rebuilding Jaguars team needs as much talent as they can get.

10. Cleveland Browns- Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia

The Browns desperately need offensive line help, and I can’t help but love the poetry of the Browns drafting a tackle named Thomas. Baker Mayfield better hope Andrew is half as good as Joe was.

11. New York Jets- CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

With Robbie Anderson departing in free agency, the Jets need receiver help. CeeDee Lamb becomes Sam Darnold’s best friend, and everyone hopes Adam Gase doesn’t ruin him.

12. Las Vegas Raiders- CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

I know, everyone hates me, they wanted a wide receiver here, but hear me out. Maybe Mike Mayock means what he’s been saying about not trusting first round receivers, and this is the same braintrust that took “scheme fit” Clelin Ferrell at number four last year.

The Raiders have almost nothing at corner, and with Okudah long gone, the Raiders need to jump on a talented defensive back early. There will be other receivers available in this draft, trust me.

13. San Francisco 49ers- Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville

I almost went receiver here, but offensive tackle Joe Staley is 35 years old, and frankly, head coach Kyle Shanahan can gimmick production out of some of his other weapons. If the 49ers can’t run the ball, their entire offense falls apart, so they take an offensive lineman with incredible upside at No. 13.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The Bucs are in “win now” mode. They went out and signed quarterback Tom Brady, and at 42 years old, they don’t have time to rebuild. In a competitive NFC South, Brady needs all the weapons he can get. Adding Henry Ruggs to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin gives Tampa one of the most explosive offensive units in the league.

15. Denver Broncos- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

In real life, the Broncos will probably trade up for a player like Jerry Jeudy, but not here. General manager John Elway gives Drew Lock an elite weapon to play opposite Noah Fant and Courtland Sutton, and they try to get back in the mix for the AFC West crown.

16. Atlanta Falcons- K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

This is the most obvious late round pick in this class. Big, raw, and athletic, Chaisson is just like every other pass rusher the Falcons have fallen in love with over the years.

17. Dallas Cowboys- Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Injuries might’ve scared off Javon Kinlaw, but he’s still one of the best players in this draft. The Cowboys gleefully jump on the BPA, adding to their defense.

18. Miami Dolphins- Ezra Cleveland, OL, Boise State

If there’s one thing Reggie McKenzie loves, it’s raw offensive linemen with big upside. It’s amazing he resists the urge to take Mekhi Becton early, but he gets Ezra Cleveland to potentially protect Tua in years to come.

19. Las Vegas Raiders- Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

This is a surprising pick, I know, but call it a gut feeling. Time and time again, the Raiders have said they needed speed on offense. Derek Carr needs playmakers, and that’s what Denzel Mims is. He’s one of the draft’s fastest receivers and has ideal speed. Put him on an offense with Tyrell Williams, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, and Josh Jacobs, and let the fireworks go off.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Has there ever been more of a “Jaguars” pick than Jordan Love? Quarterback Gardner Minshew had moments of brilliance during his rookie season but is decidedly not a franchise quarterback. The Jags fall in love with Love’s upside, and bring the big-armed quarterback to Florida.

21. Philadelphia Eagles- Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Carson Wentz had zero receivers with 500 yards last season. In fact, none of his weapons broke 1,000 yards, though Zach Ertz tried. Somehow, he still had a very strong year and took the Eagles to the playoffs. If the Eagles don’t get this man some weapons, then they don’t deserve a great young quarterback like him.

22. Minnesota Vikings- Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

With Stefon Diggs in Buffalo, the Vikings need another receiver to pair with Adam Thielen. Instead of going after someone similar to Diggs, like Jalen Reagor, they get a big-play target in Tee Higgins. Minnesota loves to throw the ball deep, and Higgins has the ideal size and speed to do so.

23. New England Patriots- Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State

Unfortunately for the Patriots, all the first round quarterbacks are gone, so they turn to the best player available at a position of need, Gross-Matos. He’s a good enough athlete to play the edge regardless of scheme, and he’s versatile enough to make a serious impact in Belichick’s defense.

24. New Orleans Saints- Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Last year, New Orleans gave up a ton of yardage through the air, and with Tom Brady coming to town, they need to fix their secondary. They take the brother of the man who once ended their post-season dreams in Trevon Diggs.

25. Minnesota Vikings- Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Wide-out wasn’t the only position group where the Vikings created a need this offseason. By releasing Xavier Rhodes, and watching Mackensie Alexadner and Trae Waynes leave in free agency, they created a huge vacancy at corner. So they take LSU’s Kristian Fulton.

26. Miami Dolphins- Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

That’s right, we’ve got a tailback in the first round! With quarterback and offensive line addressed, the Dolphins bring in the draft’s best back to give the offense something consistent in the backfield.

27. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Jones, OL, Houston

After seemingly decades of neglecting Russell Wilson’s health, the Seahawks finally get a good offensive lineman in the first round. He’s a surprisingly good athlete for his size, and while it might not be the sexiest pick, he’s a got a solid floor and can help the team immediately.

28. Baltimore Ravens- Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

The Ravens would be thrilled to see the second best linebacker in this draft fall all the way to them. They finally replace C.J. Mosley inside, and are content to find some weapons for Lamar Jackson down the road.

29. Tennessee Titans- Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

With Jurrell Casey gone, the Titans have a need at defensive tackle, so they take TCU’s studley defensive tackle at the end of the first round. He’s a freakish athlete and an explosive disrupter on the inside.

30. Green Bay Packers- Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

That’s right, Aaron Rodgers finally gets another big play target to pair with Davante Adams in First-Team Draft All-Name stud, Lavis Shenault. He’s big, versatile, and explosive. He seeks out contact and is a bully after the catch.

31. San Francisco 49ers- Brandon Aiyuk, WR, ASU

Brandon Aiyuk is the most obvious 49ers receiver in this draft class. He’s versatile, he’s fast, and he’s a demon after the catch. The 49ers have one of the most gimmick-happy offenses in football, and a player like Aiyuk would fit in very nicely.

32. Kansas City Chiefs- Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

The defending Super Bowl champs select a reigning National Champion with their first pick in the draft. They gave up far, far too many yards on the ground last season, and the Chiefs hope the athletic Queen can come in and help shore up the run defense.

Related: GM Mike Mayock ready to seize the draft again

Raiders Draft: Round Two

33. Cincinnati Bengals- Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

34. Indianapolis Colts- A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

35. Detroit Lions- Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

36. New York Giants- A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

37. Los Angeles Chargers- Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

38. Carolina Panthers- Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

39. Miami Dolphins- Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

40. Houston Texans- Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

41. Cleveland Browns- Grant Delpit, S, LSU

42. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

43. Chicago Bears- Casar Ruiz, OL, Michigan

44. Indianapolis Colts- Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

46. Denver Broncos- Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU

47. Atlanta Falcons- Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M

48. New York Jets- Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia

49. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

50. Chicago Bears- Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal

51. Dallas Cowboys- Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

52. Los Angeles Rams- Austin Jackson, OL, USC

53. Philadelphia Eagles- Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois

54. Buffalo Bills- Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State

55. Baltimore Ravens- Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

56. Miami Dolphins- Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

57. Houston Texans- Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M

58. Minnesota Vikings- Isaiah Wilson, OL, Georgia

59. Seattle Seahawks- Rawkwon Davis, DL, Alabama

60. Baltimore Ravens- Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama

61. Tennessee Titans- Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

62. Green Bay Packers- Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia

63. Kansas City Chiefs- Cameron Dantzler, CB, Miss. State

64. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan

Raiders Draft: Round Three

65. Cincinnati Bengals- Prince Tega Wanogho, OL, Auburn

66. Washington Redskins- KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State

67. Detroit Lions- Marlon Davison, Auburn

68. New York Jets- Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

69. Carolina Panthers- Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame

70. Miami Dolphins- Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

71. Los Angeles Chargers- Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

72. Arizona Cardinals- Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech

73. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lucas Niang, OL, TCU

74. Cleveland Browns- Nick Harris, OL, Washington

75. Indianapolis Colts- Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri

76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

77. Denver Broncos- Terrell Burgess, DB, Utah

78. Atlanta Falcons- Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

79. New York Jets- Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida

80. Las Vegas Raiders- Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State

81. Las Vegas Raiders- Zach Moss, RB, Utah

82. Dallas Cowboys- Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

83. Denver Broncos- Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

84. Los Angeles Rams- Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple

85. Detroit Lions- Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota

86. Buffalo Bills- Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington

87. New England Patriots- Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

88. New Orleans Saints- Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

89. Minnesota Vikings-Troy Pride Jr. CB, Notre Dame

90. Houston Texans- Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio State

91. Las Vegas Raiders- Willie Gay Jr., LB, Raiders

92. Baltimore Ravens- Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana

93. Tennessee Titans- Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee

94. Green Bay Packers- Mat Peart, OL, Connecticut

95. Denver Broncos- Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa

96. Kansas City Chiefs- Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

97. Cleveland Browns- Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah

98. New England Patriots- Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State

99. New York Giants- Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

100. New England Patriots- Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas

101. Seattle Seahawks- Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska

102. Pittsburgh Steelers- Khalid Kareem, Edge, Notre Dame

103. Philadelphia Eagles- Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State

104. Los Angeles Rams- John Hightower, WR, Boise State

105. Minnesota Vikings- James Lynch, DL, Baylor

106. Baltimore Ravens- Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State

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