2012 NFL Draft: 9 Prospects on Oakland Raiders' Wish List

As the Super Bowl ends, football fans get ready for the offseason. Thirty-one other teams are looking forward to making key transitions into improving their football team and making a run for a championship in 2012.

Now that the Super Bowl is over, it's NFL draft season.

Mock drafts and possible blockbuster trades are what entertain football fans from here on out. A team that is going to have an interesting draft strategy is the Oakland Raiders. While trading the majority of their 2012 draft picks, the Raiders currently only hold two legitimate picks in the fifth and sixth rounds.

As far as draft needs, the defensive side of the ball is where this team should focus. Head coach Dennis Allen has a strong background on that side of the ball, and will focus on turning that group into a disciplined bunch.

Allen has now hired a new defensive coordinator in Jason Tarver, former Stanford University co-defensive coordinator. A young coach on the rise, Tarver has spent time coaching the linebackers in San Francisco before going to Stanford in 2011. Tarver has been exposed primarily to the 3-4 defense in his time with the 49ers and with the Stanford Cardinals.

If the Raiders are going to make that move to a 3-4, this draft has to be invested into making that transition as easy as possible.

On offense, Dennis Allen decided to bring back a familiar face that he has ties with in offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. Knapp had a tough first stint with the Raiders because of coaching drama and lazy quarterback play. Now Knapp has a much better team in terms of talent.

Here is a list of players I believe the Raiders should keep an eye out for in the draft. This list is defensively motivated, yet there are a few offensive players I believe the Raiders should look at to make Knapp's offense run the way he envisions it.

For the record, this is not a mock draft!

Frank Alexander, DE/OLB, Oklahoma

Fans have speculated that the Raiders will be making a transition to a 3-4 defense. If you have been paying attention to the Raiders' defensive coordinator candidates, that assumption seems quite valid, as most of the candidates have a background in the 3-4 scheme.

With the official hiring of Jason Tarver as the one defensive coordinator, I think a 3-4 scheme is inevitable.

If the Raiders are going to be a 3-4 defense, they have to have an outside linebacker that is a true pass-rusher.

All I kept hearing during the 2011 season was that if the Raiders had a defense like the 49ers, they would have made just as an impressive run in the playoffs. Well, the 49ers would not have made that run if it weren't for a rookie by the name of Aldon Smith, a true pass-rusher.

Other than Kamerion Wimbley, I do not believe the Raiders have that guy.

Enter Frank Alexander.

Alexander is projected as a third-round pick. Perfect for the Raiders' assumed compensatory pick. Alexander started off having a strong senior season, yet his production did fade towards the second half of his senior year. He finished with 51 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

Because Alexander started to be less productive down the stretch, I believe he falls to the Raiders.

He has experience as a stand-up linebacker, so 3-4 teams will be looking at him. He has the potential to be a game changer. At 6'4", 255 lbs, with natural pass-rush skills, how could he not be?

I do not not think he is quite the talent or athlete as Aldon Smith, but for a third-round pick, he is more than worth the investment.

An acquisition like Frank Alexander would assure Kamerion Wimbley be a mismatch against right tackles. It may mean OLB Aaron Curry might have to play inside with Rolando McClain—something not many fans will like at first. But in my opinion, I think Curry can do it.

It may not be easy, but definitely possible.

Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

A young draft prospect I think is on the Raiders list is Markelle Martin of Oklahoma State.

Markelle Martin is a natural free safety, which is something the Raiders have not had in quite some time. At 6'1", 205 lbs, Martin is the ideal size for the safety position.

Though Martin is considered the third-best player at his position, he is also projected as a third-round pick as this is not the best safety class.

However, that is not to sell Martin short on his abilities. Martin may be the best overall athlete at the safety position.

With a solid senior season Martin's draft stock may rise, but as of right now the Raiders should be hoping Martin falls right into their compensatory pick, who many assume will be a third-rounder.

Martin tallied 62 tackles (52 solo), 11 passes defensed and two forced fumbles in his senior year.

The Raiders may have other pressing needs than safety, but safety is still a huge issue for the Silver and Black. So if the Raiders have Martin rated higher than another player at a position of a greater need, they should still grab Martin.

Many believe free safety Michael Huff will be making a permanent switch to cornerback, a decision that should have been made two years ago. If the Raiders decide to let inconsistent corner Chris Johnson test free agency, Huff's move is almost a guarantee.

Tyvon Branch in my opinion should stay at strong safety. Branch is fast, but there is a difference between speed and range. He is also a free agent.

He should be the number one priority for the Raiders, but I have a feeling he will be the Zach Miller of this free-agent period. Meaning, the Raiders will toy with his financial emotions, until a random team offers Branch a deal he cannot refuse.

Fan favorite Mike Mitchell has tremendous potential, but time is running out for him to turn that into consistent production. I believe if the Raiders decide to let Branch go, the strong safety position is in decent hands with Mitchell.

But there will still be a spot open at free safety. This is where Markelle Martin fits perfectly.

Shea McClellin, DE, Boise St

Shea McClellin is hands down the most interesting defensive lineman in this entire draft. I have no idea where this guy fits, but all I know is, I want him for the Raiders.

McClellin stands at 6'3", 262 lbs and has played in Boise State's interesting defense. Boise State has played the 4-3 and the 3-4, also an interesting hybrid defense known as the 3-3-5. Needless to say, McClellin has played with his hands on and off the ground.

It shows his versatility, but also it makes you question his true home. 

This is a young man who can rush the passer from anywhere he lines up. But where exactly will he line up?

He could be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or a defensive end in a 4-3. He could even be a defensive end in a 3-4 if he gained some weight.

Depending on who you listen to, McClellin could be drafted as high as the second round or as late as the fifth. Let's just hope he is some where in the middle where the Raiders actually have a chance.

Hebron Fangupo, DL, BYU

If the Raiders are truly going to move to a 3-4 defense, they need a big body right in the middle at nose tackle. The Raiders do not currently have anyone on their roster who fits the need of that position.

I think the young man that is on every fan's wish list in Hebron Fangupo. 

At 6'1", 335 lbs, Fangupo is the right guy from a measurable perspective. He reminds me of a BJ Raji body type. The way Raji benefited from the presence of Cullen Jenkins in 2010, I think that is how Fangupo can benefit from Richard Seymour. 

He was a USC Trojan originally, who eventually went on to transfer to BYU. If USC was at one point interested, you know this young man has some talent. 

Fangupo is considered a perfect fit for a 3-4. In a draft that is not heavy in true 3-4 nose tackles, Fangupo's value might rise.

A few red flags to keep in mind...

Fagupo is coming into the draft as a 25-year-old rookie. Not exactly a bad thing, but that typically means he is not the most polished of football players because he likely started playing football later in life. Whether or not the Raiders have the time to groom him is up to them.

By the time Fangupo reaches his true potential, he could knocking on the door of the big 3-0.

Playing at USC and BYU, Fangupo's run-defending skills were not exactly on display a whole lot, so that is something the scouting department has to look out for as well.

Mychal Kendricks, ILB, CAL

Another fan favorite is local prospect Mychal Kendricks. 

PAC-12 defensive player of the year, Kendricks is coming into the 2012 draft as a very talented defender, yet has almost zero draft buzz. That is perfect for the Raiders.

Now the Raiders can just focus on the guy in their backyard without fighting other teams.

Kendricks' 2011 season was very productive with two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 13 tackles for losses. He had thumb surgery in 2011 and still was able to play at a high level. He also has shown pass-rushing skills in his career at CAL with 8.5 sacks in 2010 which led the conference.

There is a lot of upside with Kendricks and I can see why fans are so high on him. He is a high-motor guy with vocal leadership. He is a bit short in my opinion at only 6'0", but I think I can get over that.

My question is how does he fit if the Raiders switch to a 3-4?

On the surface it seems like he would fit right alongside Rolando McClain with Aaron Curry and Kamerion Wimbley on the outside. But I may be the only fan out there who believes Curry would not be a bad fit inside. 

Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State

In my opinion, I think Stefan Wisniewski should be our starting center for the next 10 years. But the Raiders decided to put the Wiz Kid at guard, and it ultimately led Wisniewski to the AP All-Rookie team. So if the Raiders decided to keep him at guard, I would completely understand. But that would leave a glaring need at the center position.

We can not afford the liability that is Samson Satele at that spot.

Satele's time as a Raider has had some extreme highs mixed with some tremendous lows. We need a center with some consistency. Standing at 6'4", 320 lbs, I believe Brewster to be that young man.

Originally I felt the Raiders had absolutely no chance at Brewster as he is the third-rated center in this year's draft. But then I realized, that the center position, though important, is rarely sought after.

The Pouncey twins have made the center position a bit more of a sexy draft pick, but those kinds of athletes are extremely rare. Many teams can get great center talent in the later rounds because it is just not a position teams draft for.

Not only do I think Brewster can fall to us, but he may even fall pretty far.

Admittedly, Brewster had a tough week at his Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He struggled with his center-to-quarterback exchange, which is common from centers and quarterbacks that come from a spread system.

However, I ultimately believe Brewster would be a solid pickup if the Raiders decide to keep Wisniewski at guard.

Delvin Johnson, NT, Marshall

Another potential nose tackle on this list is Delvin Johnson. At 6'3" 315 lbs, Johnson is just what the doctor ordered at nose tackle.

With room to grow, Johnson is a big body that can be fill the middle of this defense. He is versatile enough to be in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, and as a late-round pick, versatility is the best way to make a roster.

Known primarily as a pass-rusher, his run-stopping is his biggest question. With solid coaching I think this is a concern that is easily fixed.

I know stopping the run has been the Achilles heel of this defense for years, so drafting a nose tackle known more for pass-rushing may not fix this issue—but Johnson is a late-round talent that can one day be a starter. 

Johnson recorded 42 tackles, 10.5 for loss and two sacks.

Like most nose tackles, Johnson is only as good as the talent around him. So until the Raiders officially get some Pro-Bowl caliber outside linebackers, Johnson will not be seen as the true talent he is. 

If the Raiders miss out on Hebron Fangupo, Johnson is their redemption pick.

Evan Rodriguez, TE, Temple

The Raiders are not exactly looking for tight ends right now. In 2011, they had four tight ends on the roster. I seriously doubt that happens in 2012.

What I will say about Evan Rodriguez is that he can be a weapon as a versatile tight end. The Raiders have a young raw talent in David Ausberry and I think pairing him up with Rodriguez would drive defensive coordinators crazy.

With Greg Knapp returning as offensive coordinator, we know the tight end position is going to be a big part of that.

At 6'2" 242 lbs, Rodriguez is not exactly a punishing blocker. So that is going to be a part of his game that causes his draft stock to drop. But his reliable hands are what makes him worth drafting. 

A versatile athlete, Rodriguez has spent time at fullback as well, so instantly that will remind fans of Marcel Reece who is a free agent in 2012. 

The Raiders are really going to have to evaluate their tight end position. Kevin Boss is the biggest name at the position, but with a poor 2011, the Raiders may want to consider what they can get for him on the trade market. 

David Ausberry is the athlete everyone will be looking at in 2012. After a promising preseason, he did almost nothing in the regular season. 2011 draft mate Richard Gordon also had an invisible season, but showed promise as a blocker before his injury.

Brandon Meyers is the most frustrating player on this roster. Right when you think he should be cut, he makes a play that makes you think "What if?" I think he is gone in 2012.

For any team looking for a poor man's Aaron Hernandez, Rodriguez is the pick.

Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian St

I know how Raider fans feel about drafting wide receivers every year. I totally understand because I too am tired of the predictable pick.

Though improved, this receiving corps is not quite complete. The Raiders are still looking for a red-zone threat. At just under 6'4" (6'3.5" to be exact), Brian Quick fits that bill.

The Raiders could look at free agency to fill this void, because there are a lot of red-zone threats in free agency this year. But which one of them would mesh with this current receiving group?

We do not want to invest a lot of money for someone who could be a potential wide receiver diva.

Though wide receiver is not at all a need, there is still one more hole to fill.

Brian Quick is exactly what his name implies: Quick.

Do not expect a fast-forty time, but when the scouting combine comes, expect an impressive three-cone drill.

Quick had a very impressive senior season with 71 receptions, 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking him fourth in school history in all of those categories. But because he is a small school prospect, Quick's draft stock is not very high right now.