Oakland Raiders 2012 Mock Draft: Scouting Prospects for Every Pick

The Oakland Raiders have just two selections in the 2012 NFL draft, but they should gain a few more when compensatory picks are announced in March. New general manager Reggie McKenzie is supposed to have a great eye for talent and the Raiders will need McKenzie to select a few keepers despite the limited number of selections.

Don't rule out McKenzie adding a few more draft picks via trade before or during the draft. McKenzie may also try to add a few extra selections in the 2013 NFL draft.

Expectations will be low for the Raiders draft and McKenzie can be successful simply by adding quality depth. Landing an instant starter will depend on McKenzie's ability to spot a talented player other teams will overlook. The Raiders' best chance to land an instant starter will be if they also land the highest possible compensatory pick at 96th overall.

The Raiders will get compensation for losing free agents last offseason, but the formula to determine those picks is complicated and not made public. For the sake of this mock draft, the below is an educated estimation of the Raiders' best-case draft order. 

Nnamdi Asomugha - 96th overall selection

Zach Miller - 130th overall selection

Fifth Round - 140th overall selection

Robert Gallery - 170th overall selection

Sixth Round - 178th overall selection

Thomas Howard - 240th overall selection

Pick 96

The Raiders could go many ways with their first selection of the draft. Cornerback, safety, linebacker or offensive tackle could all be considered with this pick.

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana, 6'2'', 204 lbs

Has length and the physical tools to become a solid pro. A recent arrest could make him available to the Raiders at the end of Round 3. 

Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State, 6'3'', 250 lbs

He must play smarter to be effective at the NFL level. His draft projections are all over the map and current projections have him coming off the board somewhere in Round 3. His play has been only average over the past two seasons at Arizona State. Burfict could be available for the Raiders despite the hype. 

Brandon Mosely, RT, Auburn, 6'5'', 305 lbs

Recruited to Auburn as a tight end, Mosely was asked to gain weight to play tackle. His teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic and preparation. Mosely could be a good fit for the zone-blocking system and finally end the revolving door at right tackle. 

Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State, 6'1'', 203 lbs

Head coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver will install a new defense in Oakland. That defense figures to rely heavily on pressure on turnovers. Martin is a versatile safety with excellent ball skills and he's an aggressive tackler. Best fit is in an aggressive zone system like the one the Raiders will deploy in 2012. May be wishful thinking to believe he'll still be on the board at pick 96.

Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington, 6'3'', 337 lbs

If the Raiders plan to play the 3-4 defense in 2012, they will need a big man to put in the middle. Ta'amu is huge and has weighed close to 400 pounds at times. He's a svelte 337 after changing his diet and expanding his conditioning program. He's the valuable space-eater that every 3-4 team needs.

Pick 130 & 140

Historically this is where Al Davis excelled in the draft. Drafting athletes with potential paid off more at this stage in the draft than it did in the first couple of rounds. McKenzie will look for a player with potential that can help on special teams while the coaches refine his game. Cornerback, safety, linebacker and offensive line depth are likely targets.

Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt, 5'11'', 185 lbs

Hayward is another zone cornerback with playmaking ability. Sense a theme? He's aggressive and he loves to make plays on the ball. His stock is rising.

Mychal Kendricks, ILB, California, 5'11'', 242 lbs

The Raiders need another linebacker or two to make the conversion to the 3-4. Kendricks is a high-motor player that is physically limited. At worst he's a core special teams player and key reserve. He's a thumper in the middle and could pair well at inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense with Rolando McClain.

Nate Potter, OT, Boise State, 6'6'', 298 lbs

The Raiders will be looking for agile lineman with enough athleticism to pull and block in space. Potter hasn't been asked to do much pulling or trapping, but he's got enough agility and speed to become effective given time. 

Tramain Thomas, FS, Arkansas, 6'0'', 204 lbs

Players at this point in the draft have a few flaws and Thomas is a good example. Thomas will be most comfortable in a zone scheme and he has ball skills, but he's a little stiff and slow to read/react. He has all the measurable attributes you could ask for from an NFL safety. He'll need work to improve his instincts and his tackling needs an overhaul, but he's a teachable prospect with loads of potential.

Pick 170 and 178

Raiders will look for players to develop and any good talent that may have fallen through the cracks to this point. Don't be surprised if the Raiders find a quarterback to develop. 

Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin, 5'11'', 210 lbs

He lacks ideal height, but so does Drew Brees. He lacks elite arm-strength, but has plenty of arm to make NFL throws. He's accurate and has good awareness. He needs work on his footwork, but he's a good enough athlete to be a threat in the running game. He's a late-round prospect that projects as a reserve, but could be something more if given proper coaching and scheme.

Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers, 6'6'', 295 lbs

The Raiders will ultimately want Stefen Wisniewski to move to his natural position of center. If not this year, in the near future. Wynn is an agile player that could eventually make a roster and fight for a job at left guard. He'll need time to learn the zone-blocking system, but he's got the quickness and balance to thrive in the Raiders system.

Omar Boldin, CB, Arizona State, 5'11'', 195 lbs

Fluid, natural athlete. He's relied on his natural gifts to this point in his playing career, but has the potential to start in the NFL with proper coaching. He missed 2011 with a knee injury and has been flying under the radar. If his medical checks out he could be a steal on draft day.

David Molk, C, Michigan, 6'2'', 286 lbs

Molk is a fit for the zone-blocking system only and wouldn't fit in a drive or man-blocking scheme. He's a hard-working overachiever with good agility, but lacks the size and strength to get much push inside. If the Raiders wanted to get a potential starter later in the draft, Molk could be a good addition. Drafting a center would likely mean Stefen Wisniewski would be staying at left guard for the foreseeable future. 

Pick 240

Reggie McKenzie will look hard at the available priority free agents, but he should receive a seventh-round pick to grab a player he likes at the end of the draft. These players are usually players the team thinks they can develop. 

Justin Francis, DE, Rutgers, 6'4'', 262 lbs

He's a tweener and he's probably a better fit for the 4-3 scheme, but he's quick off the snap and flashed NFL ability.

Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State, 6'3'', 235 lbs

Burris is from the Sacramento area. He's a solid pass-rushing linebacker and at worst he can help on special teams. The Raiders will likely turnover many of their special teams players and Burris will help fill the void. He's got potential to start and if he can be drafted this late would really help fill multiple needs for the Raiders.