Raiders

Would Raiders Pass Up This Offensive Difference Maker In April?

The Las Vegas Raiders need to address their defense this offseason but does that mean they should pass up on an offensive playmaker?

The hiring of defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is causing some people to overlook players on the Raiders roster. There are several promising contributors still in-house that are going to reap the benefits of Bradley’s system. After all, the biggest issue with the Silver and Black has been the coaching and scheme of Paul Guenther. This doesn’t mean the team shouldn’t invest resources in their defense, but what if the Raiders drafted an offensive playmaker to take Jon Gruden’s offense to another level. We’re talking about Alabama running back Najee Harris of course.

Related: Hall of Famer Has Strong Praise For Gus Bradley

Harris or Owusu-Koramoah? That could be a tough choice for the Raiders

Before you scoff at this scenario, take a look at a recent mock by NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks. He has the Raiders drafting Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with the 17th selection. Right after him, the Miami Dolphins select Harris with the 18th pick. So, what if the Raiders opted to select Harris instead? Brooks says Harris is a Matt Forte-like playmaker, which turns the Raiders offense into something truly special. If Las Vegas resigns Nicholas Morrow, a linebacker corps featuring him, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Cory Littleton would be solid.

Harris’ career at Alabama showed he can be a true dual-threat in the NFL. Last season alone, the running back totaled 1,466 rushing yards and 425 receiving, for a total of 1,891 scrimmage yards. You can also tack on 26 rushing touchdowns and four touchdowns via air. A backfield made up of Harris, Josh Jacobs, and Alec Ingold would give defensive coordinators nightmares. You throw in what Henry Ruggs III will do by stretching defenses and this could truly be a juggernaut.

Likewise, Owusu-Koramoah is a dynamic defender with speed and athleticism but the Raiders’ biggest need is the interior. This won’t be a popular scenario but the Silver and Black could pick up an excellent interior lineman after the first round, such as Marlon Tuipulotu or Daviyon Nixon. You could then pick up a premier defensive lineman such as Leonard Williams and you would have a much more imposing front four.

Thoughts, Raider Nation? Who would you select if you were on the clock, Harris or Owusu-Koramoah?

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*Top Photo: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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3 thoughts on “Would Raiders Pass Up This Offensive Difference Maker In April?”

  1. Would rather get DL Edge and or LB or Safety with first 2 or 3 picks get Tre Sermon in the 3rd or 4th the RB from Buffalo in the 4th… I do believe the there is value in the later rounds of this draft but playmakers in the first 2 rounds to contribute right away. If the Raiders draft Offense it should be on the line cause Trent Brown is done and gotta replace Incognito, another playmaking RB (and there are a few) move dead weight pieces to create cap space and bring in solid vet leadership(which they lacked) and pull the rest of the pieces together like what happened on the Oline

  2. All this draft speculation is fun, but really? How many years have the Raiders gone with a defense that couldn’t stop a good high school offense? DEFENSE – DEFENSE- DEFENSE!

  3. There’s only 1 ball and the Raiders already have Jacobs. There are more important weaknesses on offense (guard, a suspect WR crew) and defense (everywhere). And Harris is only 215lbs and there is already speculation he will have to move to safety. You don’t waste a first round pick on a guy who didn’t play the position in college. Mayock and Gruden aren’t dumb. I’m positive they will pick neither of these guys, and rightfully so.

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