Simple Logic Suggests B.J. Raji Will Be Drafted by the Oakland Raiders

There are wide-ranging opinions on what will happen in next month’s NFL Draft.

Regarding the Oakland Raiders, Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji and Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree come up as names the Silver and Black might pick.

Will either of these guys even be there at the seventh pick for the Radiers? Should the team trade down for more picks instead?

Using simple logic and going through the first seven picks of the draft, it is easy to see that Raji is the clear choice for the Raiders, and that Crabtree won't even be available.

First Pick—Detroit Lions

The Lions have a lot of holes, but they just traded defensive tackle Corey Redding and a fifth rounder for Julian Peterson, so they are unlikely to draft Wake Forest’s Aaron Curry. I believe the Lions will look to pick up either an offensive tackle or quarterback.

My mind is telling me the Lions will pick quarterback Matthew Stafford of Georgia.

Second Pick—St. Louis Rams

The Rams recently released Orlando Pace, so one would have to think they would pick a replacement for the offensive tackle in the first round…wrong! They also lost Torry Holt to free agency and released wide receiver Drew Bennett.

The Rams will look to go back to being "The Greatest Show On Turf” and will select Crabtree.

Third Pick—Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have no need for a defensive tackle, as they drafted Glen Dorsey last year and are switching to a 3-4 defense. Their greatest needs are offensive linemen and linebackers. It’s looking like the Chiefs will select Curry.

Fourth Pick—Seattle Seahawks

The ‘Hawks just traded for defensive tackle Corey Redding and have a decent D-line. Last year, Matt Hasselback was injured early and throughout the season.

The team’s No. 1 priority should be keeping him healthy. I’m banking on the Seahawks selecting Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith.

Fifth Pick—Cleveland Browns

Shaun Rogers is unhappy and demanding to be traded or released, but this never worked for Chad Johnson, so why would it work for him? The Browns also have three other defensive tackles and run a 3-4. The Browns will select outside linebacker Brian Orakpo from Texas.

Sixth Pick—Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals just lost Stacy Andrews to free agency and already have a quality defensive tackle in John Thornton. The team’s offensive line is patchy and Carson Palmer played through injury all season long, not to mention they were 29th in rush offense and 30th in sacks allowed.

The Bengals will most likely select Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe to protect Palmer and get the running game back on track.

The Raiders are now on the clock. If my mock draft goes as planned, the team’s options include Raji, a defensive tackle with a great motor, exceptional run-stopping ability, and one of the better pass rushers in the draft.

Another viable option is Alabama’s Andre Smith, an offensive tackle who dominated in college, but had a horrible combine, personal issues, and bad news written all over him.

Missoui’s Jeremy Maclin is a fast, special-teams guy and can rack up all-purpose yards. In other words, he’s just like the Radiers’ Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Seventh Pick—Oakland Raiders

The Raiders will scoop up Raji. This is the best choice for the Raiders as they have already brought in players to improve the offense. In addition, they ranked near the bottom in both run defense and pass rush.

With teams forced to throw the ball against the Raiders under pressure, it gives the Raiders more chances for their top corners to make a play on the ball.