Thanks to trades with the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans, the Las Vegas Raiders have three selections in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Last week, Mayock said about those picks, “If we’re doing our jobs right, hopefully that’s three more starters.” So, how do the Raiders get three starters in the third round? Let’s explore some options.
After addressing needs at wide receiver and cornerback on day one, the Raiders should have a clear idea of what areas they need to target on day two. Offensively, they could use someone that could provide depth while also pushing Gabe Jackson while vying for a starting spot. Defensively, they need to find a stud defensive tackle and a strong-side linebacker. These are some prospects that would be good fits for the Raiders but should still be available in the third round.
Related: 3 Players Raiders could draft in Day 2
Raiders’ Offensive Line
Matt Hennessy, Temple
Hennessy has great awareness and athleticism. He did a lot of pulling as a center in college, which is not easy. He has a good feel for when to help the player next to him. He showed good speed at the combine (5.11 40 time). Some feel that he needs to bulk up (6’4″, 307 lbs), but he did get 23 bench press reps at the combine. He could be a good starter-in-waiting at any of the three interior offensive line positions.
Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State
Most scouts have Phillips listed as a guard, but he played left tackle the past two seasons. Tape shows him holding his own against Derrick Brown. He is big and powerful (6’5″, 331), but lacks quickness. He could immediately be a solid backup at both guard and tackle, and later develop into a starter.
Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
He was a three-year starter at center at offensive lineman factory Wisconsin. He was a finalist for the Outland trophy last year. He attacks opposing defenders rather than catching them. One big issue is his tendency to lean into his blocks and lose his feet.
Raiders’ Defensive Line
Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
Smaller than some of the other defensive tackles in this class (6’3″, 293 lbs), Madubuike makes up for his size by playing with a lot of leverage. At his current weight, he could be a liability when teams run directly at him, but as an early entry in the draft he is relatively young so he’s more likely to bulk up in the next year.
Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
The best word to describe Gallimore is raw. He beats people with quickness and a high motor. His biggest issue is he needs to refine his technique. He reminds me of Arden Key in the sense that the potential is evident but the skill set to reach it is missing.
Leki Fotu, Utah
At 6’5″, 330 lbs, Fotu is a mountain of a man. Also, he has blazing speed for his size (5.15 40 time). The problem? He did not always look as dominant as one would expect someone his size to be. He seems like he might be a project.
Linebacker
Malik Harrison, Ohio State
Harrison projects as a strong side linebacker making him a good scheme fit for the Raiders. He fills gaps well and is a reliable open field tackler. Watching his tape, there aren’t any intangibles that seem to jump off the screen, but he gets the job done. While not flashy, Harrison is a solid “meat and potatoes” SAM linebacker.
Logan Wilson, Wyoming
The first thing you notice watching this guy is that he flies to the football. He is a great scheme fit as he can play mide or strong linebacker. As a three-year captain in college, he possesses the leadership qualities general Manager Mayock is looking for. The biggest concern with Wilson is the level of competition he saw playing in the Mountain West.
Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State
The Mississippi State product showed a lot of athleticism and versatility in college. He projects as a player who could play multiple linebacker positions. His 4.46 40 time proves that he has the speed to cover a lot of ground in the NFL. The main concern with this guy is that whoever takes him is going to have to figure out what his best position is.
Keep in mind this list focuses on players specific needs that are generally projected to go around the third round. Some of these players might not be available. Also , there is the potential for someone more talented to fall to the Raiders unexpectedly.
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All draft grades and combine numbers were pulled from NFL.com
Top Photo: UW Athletics