All mock scenarios aside, the Las Vegas Raiders will do as they please in a few weeks at the NFL draft. Fans should prepare themselves for the worst, in fact, here are three scenarios that will make them regurgitate if they actually happen.
You would think this year’s first-round pick should be a no-brainer for the Raiders’ brain trust. They should get either a right tackle to fill Trent Brown’s shoes or an upper echelon pass rusher. Nevertheless, all you have to do is look at the previous three drafts and realize how unpredictable the team is. Kolton Miller turned out to be a cornerstone player but a large sect of Raider Nation was pleading their team to take Derwin James. Clelin Ferrell has become a solid run-stopper but far from his projection as a foundational pass rusher. Any fan that tells you they were happy with Damon Arnette’s selection is lying to your face, it was called a ‘reach’ at best and so far, the naysayers are right.
All of the aforementioned players are in the team’s long-term plans so if anything, the team stands by its selections. This year’s first-round selection will have to contribute out of the gate, whether they play offense or defense. However, taking any of these three players could make Raider Nation punch their TV.
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And with the 17th pick, the Las Vegas Raiders select…
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Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
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Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
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Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
First off, let’s make this clear, all three players are talented and have the potential to be good NFL players. Rather, the fact that the Raiders could draft any of the three will infuriate fans knowing that none of them are ‘needs’ from a conventional point of view. The Raiders need a right tackle but Vera-Tucker’s classified as more of a swing offensive lineman, not a prototypical right tackle if you will. He played well as USC’s left tackle so naturally, he could make the transition but it might take time, the Raiders need an instant surefire starter.
The wide receiver debate has created some tension on social media within Raider Nation. Most feel that there’s absolutely no need for one to be taken anywhere in this draft, much less the first. However, Toney is one of the best overall prospects in this draft regardless of position. Last year, the Florida product accumulated 70 receptions, totaling 984 receiving yards in the process and finding the endzone once. If Toney or any receiver for that matter gets his name called, fans will have a collective meltdown.
A running back? really?
If taking Toney will cause a meltdown, selecting Harris will cause World War III among Raider Nation on social media. The six-foot-two 230 pound running back has all the tools to become a special NFL player. Pro Football Focus graded Harris 89.8 overall with a 90.1 run grade along with 81.6 in the receiving department. A threat as both a runner and a receiver, the Alabama standout could help revolutionize the Raiders’ offense. Be that as it may, that backfield’s now very crowded with Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake. Certainly not a position that needs help but one that would get taken another level with Harris though the question would become if there are enough snaps for everyone.
While all three scenarios are unlikely, these are the Raiders we’re talking about. Expect the unexpected with Gruden and Mike Mayock on draft day and you won’t be disappointed.
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*Top Photo: David Zalubowski/Associated Press