2012 NFL Mock Draft: 7-Round Oakland Raiders Predictions

It would be easy to ignore the draft because the Oakland Raiders have just a fifth- and sixth-round selection, but that would be a mistake. While the Raiders own only two of its original seven draft picks, there is a new sheriff in town and his name is Reggie McKenzie. For decades the Raiders draft room was run by owner Al Davis, but all that changes this April. 

McKenzie, Oakland's general manager, doesn't have many picks to work and he'll explore every opportunity to gain a few more. If McKenzie doesn't find a player particularly useful or valuable, expect him to dangle them as trade bait starting in the middle to late second round.

The Raiders must use the picks they do have to find gems at positions of need. McKenzie has a lot of roster shaping to do to make it fit the new schemes and the personality of head coach Dennis Allen. 

First round

Traded to Bengals (Carson Palmer)

It isn't likely the Raiders will able to climb back into the first round without trading Darren McFadden. Even in a situation that has McKenzie contemplating trading McFadden for a low first-round pick he might not pull the trigger. 

Skip the first round if you must, but don't forget to tune in for day two. The Raiders should get active.

Second round

Traded to Patriots (Joseph Barksdale and Taiwan Jones)

Like Round 1, the Raiders are without a pick in Round 2 as well. If McKenzie wants to get started he'll need to make a trade. Towards the end of the second round as the talent thins out, McKenzie may have the opportunity to make a trade and snag an undervalued prospect that slips.

There are a couple solid nose tackle prospects that fall into this range, and if the Raiders are anticipating a switch to the 3-4 either this year or next year they could think about moving up for the one they want to build around. 

Assistant offensive line coach Steve Wisniewski previously helped out the offensive line at Stanford and may be familiar with offensive tackle prospect Jonathan Martin. He's an athletic lineman that might be a good fit for Greg Knapp's zone-blocking system.

Potential targets:

Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Third round

Used in 2011 supplemental draft (Terrelle Pryor)

The Raiders are slated to receive a few compensatory selections and the highest available pick is pick No. 97 in the third round.

There is a strong likelihood that pick 97 could be the team's first in the draft. The Raiders need to fill a need and they should be looking for high-motor players that can come in and contribute right away.

Potential targets:

Mychal Kendricks, ILB, California

James-Michael Johnson, ILB, Nevada

Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

Audie Cole, OLB, North Carolina State

Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Fourth round

Traded to Redskins (Jason Campbell)

Eventually the Raiders had to give the Redskins something for two years' worth of Jason Campbell. The Raiders don't have any picks in this round, but it's much easier to make a trade and get a pick in the fourth round and the Raiders could be looking at a compensatory pick in the fourth round. If the Raiders do get a pick here, expect them to look to solidify the offensive line. 

Sleeper:

Kelvim Beachum, Jr., OG, Southern Methodist 

Fifth round

The Raiders finally get to pick in their normal draft slot and this is where McKenzie will make his money. There usually good players available in the later rounds if the team and general manager know where to look.

Keep an eye on: Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin

Sixth round

Two rounds in a row the Raiders have their regular selection. This is where the team digs deep. This is where hours of scouting and analysis can make a huge difference. Prairie View defensive end/linebacker Adrian Hamilton registered 20 sacks and will likely get looks a pass-rush specialist to start. He need work, but he's got a great motor and a he's a physical specimen.

Sleeper: Adrian Hamilton, DE/LB, Prairie View

Seventh round

Traded to Seahawks (Aaron Curry)

The Raiders will not have a seventh-round selection and will likely hit the phones of priority free agents hard.

Overall

If the Raiders can add two to three players on defense and an offensive lineman, they will have had a successful draft. McKenzie should focus on the defensive side of the ball that struggled last season despite a handful of highly paid players on that side of the ball.

Don't expect a big splash from McKenzie, but you can't rule out the Raiders making a big splash to correct a defense that has had problems for nearly a decade.