Free Agent or Draft: How Should Oakland Raiders Fill Their Biggest Holes?
The Oakland Raiders have needs all over the roster. General manager Reggie McKenzie has to address all of them, but doing so effectively will take a two-pronged approach. Finally turning things around in Oakland will require the right combination of proven free agents and impact rookies through the draft.
Fortunately, the Raiders are in position to do both.
Recently cutting safety Tyvon Branch has pushed the team's available cap space to $56 million, according to ESPN.com's Bill Williamson, and the impending release of defensive end LaMarr Woodley will push that number even higher. Add to that the possible, if not likely, release of quarterback Matt Schaub and running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and that number is over $60 million.
The Raiders are also in great position when it comes to the draft. McKenzie has a full slate of picks to work with, including the fourth overall pick. No matter what direction McKenzie chooses to go in, there will be an impact player there for the taking in the first round when Oakland is on the clock on April 30.
With plenty of needs and the necessary cash and draft picks to address all of them, the only thing left for McKenzie to figure out is how to best address each position.
Here's a breakdown of Oakland's biggest needs and which option, free agency or the draft, is best for each position.
Team Needs
1 of 9
The Raiders finished the 2014 season at 3-13, an indication of the level of talent on the roster. The team has needs all over the place, but some are more pressing than others.
While Oakland could use an upgrade at several positions—right guard, right tackle, tight end—the team has personnel who can at least serve as stopgaps for the time being.
In order of priority, the positions McKenzie must address are:
| 1a. | Wide Receiver |
| 1b. | Defensive Tackle |
| 2. | Center |
| 3. | Middle Linebacker |
| 4. | Defensive End |
| 5. | Running Back |
| 6. | Safety |
These positions have been prioritized based on how bad the need is for the team and the options available at the position both in free agency and the draft.
After years of ineptitude, the Raiders are in an ideal situation, both in free agency and in the draft, to finally return to relevance.
To do so, McKenzie needs to begin at these positions.
What About the Rest?
2 of 9
While the list on the previous slide contains seven positions, that doesn't mean that the Raiders are set everywhere else. However, those needs aren't as pressing, which means that McKenzie can hold off on them for now.
Right Tackle
Menelik Watson, who was Oakland's second-round pick in 2013, hasn't lived up to expectations. He was brought in to lock down the right tackle position. But after two years in the league, he's done nothing to show that he's capable of doing that.
However, Jack Del Rio has already addressed this issue. According to ESPN.com's Bill Williamson, the new head coach has decided that Austin Howard will slide over from right guard to right tackle for next season.
Howard played the position his entire career before arriving in Oakland, so the transition shouldn't be an issue. And after struggling early in his career, he grew to become a solid right tackle.
At the very least, this solves the problem for 2015. And with the 27-year-old Howard still having four years remaining on his contract, he could become the permanent answer.
Right Guard
Howard moving over a spot leaves a gap at right guard. So what does the team do about that?
Here's a hint: In case you were wondering, the seemingly ageless Khalif Barnes is still on the roster!!!
Yeah, I know. Not a name that inspires much excitement or confidence.
To many Raiders fans, Barnes is good at one thing: holding. But he's actually more effective than he's given credit for, especially playing on the inside.
Barnes at right guard is the definition of a stopgap. But he's capable of doing the job for one more season.
Tight End
Of the positions listed on this slide, tight end is the closest to being a "must." Aside from Mychal Rivera, the roster is very thin at the position.
But while no one currently on the team can single-handedly do the job, the group as a whole is capable of producing the necessary results. Rivera is still a work-in-progress as a blocker, but he's continued to show how dangerous he can be as a pass-catcher.
Brian Leonhardt and Nick Kasa, while not being exciting options, are capable of serving as blocking tight ends. And, of course, there's the annual question among Raiders fans: Will this be the year that David Ausberry breaks out and shows what he can do?
McKenzie needs to figure out what to do at the position, especially given how important tight end play is to a young quarterback like David Carr. And there is the possibility that McKenzie makes signing Julius Thomas a priority, as was suggested by Adam Schefter (via Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio).
But for now, this position isn't as important as the rest.
Cornerback
In 2013, his first year as the Raiders general manager, McKenzie opted to reinforce Oakland's cornerback situation by bringing in veterans Mike Jenkins and Tracy Porter. That didn't work out, but he tried the same approach in 2014 with the additions of Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown. While the second attempt went slightly better, it was still generally unsuccessful.
In 2015, McKenzie is trying something new: going with youth. Rather than bringing in yet another set of veterans, he's opted to leave the job in the hands of the young cornerbacks already on the team, primarily D.J. Hayden, T.J. Carrie and Keith McGill.
As CSNBayArea.com's Scott Bair noted, "McKenzie is confident that the new kids can handle increased responsibility without veteran handholding."
However, McKenzie did go on to add (via Bair):
"I think the young guys [Hayden, Carrie and McGill] are ready. I don’t think you can expect to go through a whole season with those three. We’re going to need one or two more. My point is this: I don’t think you need that cagy, savvy veteran to help bring young guys along.
They’re at a point now where they understand how to approach the game. I need guys that can play. If I get someone who can be a great starter or a great backup, I’m going to help solidify that position group. The goal is to upgrade at every spot.
"
While McKenzie will take an upgrade if he can find one, the plan for now is to go with the young guys already on the roster. He'll add a good cornerback if he can, but it's clearly not a priority at this time.
6. Safety: Draft
3 of 9
Free safety Charles Woodson is coming back for another year. He's still effective, but he'll be 39 in October. And with the Tyvon Branch's recent release, Oakland is in need of an answer at both safety spots.
There are going to be some intriguing safeties on the market, but McKenzie has to start looking for a long-term solution. And with other needs to fill, he can't afford to throw too much money at this problem.
Third-year man Larry Asante has shown potential, and Jonathan Dowling, last year's seventh-round pick, has yet to be given a real chance to show what he can do. As of now, neither can be depended on going forward.
Fortunately, the Raiders are set for at least one more season with Woodson and the surprisingly improved strong safety, Brandian Ross. Add to that Woodson's wealth of knowledge and McKenzie is in position to draft a talented safety who can spend a year learning to play the position at the NFL level before permanently taking over.
Draft Targets
Gerod Holliman, Louisville
Holliman had a breakout season in 2014 when he finished with an incredible 14 interceptions. He can't be expected to replicate that type of performance in the NFL, but it is indicative of his ball-hawking ability. He's always a threat to make a big play, an element that the Oakland defense lacks.
Questions remain about his tackling ability, as Rob Rang of CBSSports.com pointed out, but that can be worked on. Entering the league as an understudy to Woodson and with the help of the coaching staff, he'll be able to improve this element to his game.
Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
After playing college football at Samford, the biggest question about Tartt is whether he'll be capable of making the jump in competition. He had a chance to answer that question in the Senior Bowl when he became the first participant from Samford. He did himself justice by performing well and proving that he's capable of competing at a higher level.
NFL Media analyst Charles Davis, on NFL Network's NFL AM (via NFL.com's Mike Huguenin), described the safety as having "SEC skills" and being "an absolute missile" on the field. At 6'1" and 221 pounds, he has great size. He's also capable of growing into either the free safety or strong safety position, which is a ideal for Oakland given that the team has a need at both spots.
He didn't dedicate himself full-time to football until his senior year of high school, so he's still learning to play the position. But a year studying under a future Hall of Famer provides the perfect learning environment.
And, let's not ignore the obvious: His name is—say it with me—Jaquiski Tartt.
That has to count for something.
Damarious Randall, Arizona State
After an impressive 2013 season, when he totaled 71 tackles and three interceptions, he improved in 2014, finishing with 101 tackles and three interceptions. He's consistent, and he performed at this level against elite Pac-12 talent.
He's a bit undersized at 5'11" and a 196 pounds, which has led to consideration of moving him to cornerback in the NFL, according to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. But McKenzie can use this to his advantage. It could cause Randall to drop further in the draft, making him a potential steal somewhere around the fourth round.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
5. Running Back: Both
4 of 9
One of the questions hanging over McKenzie was what he would do regarding Maurice Jones-Drew. Would he keep the veteran around to back up Latavius Murray or let him go?
Jones-Drew answered the question himself when he announced his retirement. That solves an issue for McKenzie, but it creates another one. Jones-Drew's retirement, combined with Darren McFadden's impending free agency, leaves Oakland with two openings at running back.
The NFL is now a league where the running back position isn't considered as important as it used to be. This is good news for a team like Oakland. It means that a lot of good running backs will be on the market. Given that McKenzie will be looking for a backup running back and not a superstar, the signing will also be affordable.
With two spots to fill, the Raiders also need to look at the draft. As with free agency, there are plenty of options. Even in the third round and later, which is when the Raiders should look to take a running back, there will be players who can make an immediate impact.
Free-Agent Targets
Roy Helu
The 26-year-old Helu is the type of running back McKenzie should be looking for. He's effective when he sees the field, but he's also used to not being the primary back. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season, but that was on only 40 rushing attempts.
Helu is also a dangerous receiver as exhibited by his 42 receptions in 2014, averaging 11.4 yards per catch.
He'll be looking for a more prominent role, and the Raiders can offer him that. Murray might be the starter, but Helu will certainly get more than 40 carries, and he can become a regular weapon as a receiver.
Pierre Thomas
At 30, Thomas is on the downside of his career. But he remains one of the NFL's most reliable backs. His workload fluctuated throughout his career with the New Orleans Saints, but his performance has remained consistent, both as a rusher and a receiver.
Drew Brees described Thomas as "best all-purpose back in the league." But as a running back in his 30s, Thomas isn't going to demand a high price. Signing him could prove to be one of McKenzie's best dollars-to-production signings.
Darren McFadden
Is Run DMC done in Oakland? Maybe. Maybe not.
He came back on a prove-it deal last season, and the experiment failed. But the shortcomings of the different coaching staffs can't be denied. As has been the case for most of his career, McFadden was misused and never really given a chance to succeed.
Coming back on a second prove-it deal seems unlikely, but he's a familiar talent to the Raiders. Now that the Raiders have assembled a more proven coaching staff, it's more likely that McFadden will be allowed to play to his strengths, and the team will finally benefit from his talent.
Draft Targets
Javorius Allen
Allen has the advantage of having played in a pro-style offense under head coach Steve Sarkisian while at USC. He has the power to create yards after contact, he's a solid blocker and he's a good receiver out of the backfield.
He also has the ability to run both to the outside and between the tackles. Allen is a solid all-around rusher with the ability to step in and contribute right away.
Jeremy Langford
Some early projections had Langford going as late as the fourth round. But he's begun a steady climb, and he could make it as high as the second round by the time the draft actually rolls around.
He's fast, shifty, and strong. His ability to make catches out of the backfield makes him similar to someone like Darren Sproles. Like Sproles, Langford can make plays once he gets into the open field, and his ability to catch the ball makes it easy to get the ball to him in these positions.
He may not be part of the elite first group of running backs that will be drafted, but he's closer than people think. A second-rounder might be a bit of stretch, but he'll be a great pickup in the third round.
David Cobb
Cobb has the makings of a second-string back at the next level, which is just what Oakland is looking for. He's not especially fast or strong, but he's still fast enough and strong enough to be efficient.
In a particularly crowded running back class, Cobb might fall as far as the fourth round. If he's available there, he could prove to be a steal and a perfect fit for what Oakland is looking for.
4. Defensive End: Draft
5 of 9
The Raiders were ineffective at defensive end last year, and McKenzie is taking steps to remedy that, beginning with the team announcing it's releasing LaMarr Woodley. Now, the position has to be filled, and the draft is the way to do it.
With the fourth overall pick in the draft, the Raiders can select pretty much any defensive end they want. But if the team goes in a different direction to start the draft, there will still be plenty of good options later in a deep defensive end draft class.
The best option here is Leonard Williams, who can play either defensive end or defensive tackle. But it's unlikely that he's not one of the first three players taken.
Draft Targets
Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Gregory is the most well-rounded defensive end available. He knows how to use his hands to beat blockers, and he has the quickness to get around the edge. But there's one glaring problem: size. At 6'5", he weighs in at a too-lean 235 pounds. That's not enough to take on NFL tackles.
He's surprisingly strong, despite his weight. But that won't be enough at the next level. If McKenzie selects Gregory, the first order of business has to be getting him to put on some weight.
Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky
Dupree shows a lot of the same skills as Gregory. He has the quickness to get around the edge and the power to create a straight-line rush that can disrupt the pocket. Plus, he has ideal size: 6'4", 269 pounds.
However, No. 4 overall might be too high to take him. He's unreliable in disengaging from blockers, and he needs to show that can create pressure consistently. But he's a great option if the Raiders manage to trade down to the middle of the first round.
Trey Flowers, Arkansas
With the big names available, Flowers has a chance to drop until at least the third round. If he does, McKenzie needs to give serious consideration to selecting him. Flowers is a three-down defensive end, and he's capable of stepping in and starting right away.
Flowers is surprisingly quick around the edge, and he also shows the power to engage with blockers and win the physical matchup. He has a well-rounded skill set, and he's capable of playing on either the left or the right side. He's also a solid tackler, making him a great addition to the defense both as a pass-rusher and run-stopper.
Anthony Chickillo, Miami
McKenzie needs to address defensive end early. But if he decides to wait, Chickillo is a great option.
A mid-round prospect, Chickillo doesn't jump off the film in any particular area. While he has good strength and speed, he's more likely to be a mid-level performer in the NFL.
What he does have going for him is a nonstop motor. What he lacks in ideal speed and power, he makes up for with sheer desire and relentless effort on the field. The same desire is evident in his work ethic, so he has the capability of working himself into an above-average player.
3. Middle Linebacker: Free Agency
6 of 9
The Raiders are set at outside linebacker with dynamic playmakers Khalil Mack and Sio Moore. What they're missing is a leader in the middle. Nick Roach could've filled that roll, but he's been released due to a failed physical, according to CSNBayArea.com's Scott Bair, and Miles Burris is clearly not the answer.
McKenzie doesn't need to find a superstar player to play in the middle. Instead, he needs an effective veteran with the ability to hold his own against the run and in pass coverage while also being capable of quarterbacking the defense.
Free-Agent Targets
Rolando McClain
If the Raiders are looking for top-tier talent...
Just kidding.
Next!!!
Mason Foster
Foster is an ideal signing for Oakland. He's only 25 years old, but he's a proven middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense and a capable defensive leader.
According to Fox Sports' Ross Jones, Foster has had to play in three different schemes over four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But that hasn't diminished his productivity. He's able to adapt, which makes him ideal as a player who can be plugged into a defense and begin to produce immediately.
While not a big name in free agency, Foster could actually turn out to be the best of the bunch. He's a three-down back who's good against the run and the pass. He's already a good middle linebacker, and he's only going to get better.
Brandon Spikes
When discussing Spikes, Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson described Spikes as being "[b]orn in the wrong era." He goes on to add that, while Spikes is great against the run, he has "[l]imited value, though, because he’s not a guy you’re likely to leave on the field on passing downs."
While Spikes might be limited in coverage, his excellence against the run could be enough to convince McKenzie that he's worth signing. However, if he is brought in, that would likely require a second addition for passing downs.
A.J. Hawk
Hawk was never the fastest linebacker to begin with, and he's lost a step since entering the league. At 31 years old, he's not the long-term solution at middle linebacker, but he's still capable of getting the job done.
He would also give the Raiders exactly what they need. He's experienced at running a defense from the middle. And while he might not be as quick as he once was, he can do just enough to secure the middle of the field so that Mack and Moore can focus their attention elsewhere.
Sean Weatherspoon
A dynamic linebacker, Weatherspoon has dealt with injuries the last two years. He missed seven games in 2013 due to a Lisfranc sprain in his foot, and then an Achilles tear forced him to miss all of 2014.
But when he has been on the field, he's a proven impact player. He's a solid tackler, he can get after the quarterback and he's reliable in pass coverage.
His injury history will drive the price down. If he checks out physically, he would give the Oakland defense an infusion of playmaking ability that it desperately needs.
2. Center: Free Agency
7 of 9
The Raiders are heading into free agency without a leader on the offensive line. This position is always important, but it is especially so for an Oakland team that's playing with a still-learning quarterback in Derek Carr and an unproven running back in Latavius Murray.
It's crucial that the team solidify the offensive line. To do that, McKenzie needs to find a reliable, proven center in free agency. There are plenty to choose from. The only question is how much he's looking to spend at the position.
Free-Agent Targets
Chris Myers
Myers has been a stalwart center throughout his career. Now, at 33 years old, he can still get the job done, but age will force him to take less in salary.
This makes him an ideal candidate for Oakland, and he's reportedly on the team's radar, according to FoxSports.com's Alex Marvez (via Bleacher Report's Adam Wells). He's a leader in the middle, and he also won't cost as much to bring in. Adding him will provide the offensive line with stability and experience while still giving McKenzie freedom to make additions elsewhere on the roster.
Rodney Hudson
As arguably the best center available, Hudson will be an upgrade. Solid both as a run- and pass-blocker, his addition will improve the entire offensive line's performance. He's also 26 years old, so he would lock down the center position for the foreseeable future.
The question is just how much McKenzie is willing to spend on the position. According to The Denver Post's Mike Klis, Hudson is reportedly looking to make about $7 million a year (via MileHighReport.com's Scotty Payne).
Given how many other needs Oakland has, that could prove to be too high a price. But at a slight reduction, Hudson is the top option.
Brian de la Puente
For years, de la Puente has been one of the NFL's most under-appreciated offensive linemen. Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the third-best center available in free agency (via ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright), yet he played for the Chicago Bears last season on a contract that paid him less than $1 million.
Given his high-performance level and what's likely to be a relatively low contract number, de la Puente is a great option. And at 29 years old, he could fill in at center for the next 3-4 years.
He's also an option at guard, making him versatile. Given Oakland's unsettled situation at right guard, de la Puente could play center for now, giving the team more time to permanently solve the center situation. Once that happens, he can slide over one spot and continue to perform.
Stefen Wisniewski
There's a fundamental disagreement between Wisniewski and McKenzie regarding the center's actual worth. Both sides seem to have come to the conclusion that a deal can't be agreed upon. And according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Vic Tafur (via SilverandBlackPride.com's Levi Damien), Wisniewski will not be brought back.
But that depends on what Wisniewski's market value actually turns out to be. At only 26 years of age, he'll be intriguing to teams looking to bring him in as the foundation for their offensive line. But Pro Football Focus (via ESPN.com's Michael Wagaman) has Wisniewski as below-average, ranking 22nd out of 32 centers.
If the rest of the league agrees, his value will drop back down into Oakland's price range and make his return more possible.
1b. Defensive Tackle: Free Agency
8 of 9
Few things are as frustrating for a fan as watching your team's defense get bullied up the middle. That's been the case for years in Oakland, and it happened again in 2014. The patchwork rotation of Antonio Smith and Pat Sims didn't work, and Ricky Lumpkin and Stacy McGee haven't shown that they're capable of permanently filling the role.
Justin Ellis looks to be the real deal. Now McKenzie has to find him a reliable partner in the middle, and that must done through free agency. No more reclamation projects. No more bringing in a guy who maybe just underperformed elsewhere in the hopes that he'll finally step up once he arrives in Oakland.
McKenzie has to bring in a proven performer.
Free-Agent Targets
Ndamukong Suh
This one is easy. There's also not much to say that hasn't already been said. Not only is Suh the top prize of this year's free agency he's also one of the best free agents to hit the market in the last 20 years.
Players of this caliber don't often hit the market. When they do, the asking price is high, and this isn't an exception. Per the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly:
"It is believed that the Dolphins will offer Suh a six-year deal that pays the 28-year-old more than $100 million, and features more than half of the contract — or at least $51 million — being fully guaranteed.
"
That's a massive deal. Even with all the cash McKenzie has on hand, he has to keep the rest of the team in mind.
But that doesn't mean he shouldn't be prepared to strongly pursue the defensive tackle, and he's ready to do just that. Acccording to NFL.com's Mike Silver, "The Raiders are planning to have Ndamukong Suh in for a visit next week."
Signing Suh isn't an all-or-nothing situation for McKenzie, but he at least has to make a significant effort to get him in Oakland.
Terrance Knighton
Knighton might seem like the consolation prize at defensive tackle, but that doesn't do the man affectionately known as "Pot Roast" justice. He's a prototypical defensive tackle, and he can plug the middle for Oakland at a much more reasonable price. According to The Denver Post' Mike Klis, that price is expected to be about $7.5 million a year.
While Knighton doesn't provide the same penetration up the middle as Suh, he still generates a good push. He's also a beast against the run. Paired with Ellis in the middle, the Oakland run defense would immediately improve substantially.
He also has a good relationship with new head coach Jack Del Rio. They were together with the Jacksonville Jaguars and again with the Denver Broncos. This gives Oakland an advantage in negotiations.
Jared Odrick
Odrick hasn't received as much publicity as other defensive tackles, but that's not a reflection of his game. According to Pro Football Focus, out of 40 defensive tackles who played at least 50 percent of their team's snaps, Odrick ranked 15th (via CincyJungle.com's Jason Marcum).
The biggest issue could be the Miami Dolphins' desire to keep him. Marcum notes that Miami is "likely to re-sign Odrick." However, with the push Miami is reportedly going to make to sign Suh, Odrick could be available.
He's also versatile and capable of playing defensive end. This would bring added options to Oakland's defensive line.
Cory Peters
It remains to be seen just how good Peters can be coming off an Achilles injury. He hasn't played at full strength since the injury occured, so he still has to show just how good he can still be.
He should be healthy in 2015. If that's the case, he'll be a great low-cost/high-return signing. However, he is still only 27, so he could look to sign a one-year deal in the hopes of outperforming the contarct and signing a bigger one next season. This would turn him into a season-long rental rather than a permanent member of the team.
1a. Wide Receiver: Both
9 of 9
The Raiders are woefully thin on talent at wide receiver. Additionally, only two receivers from last season—James Jones and Rod Streater—are sure to return. Restricted free agent Andre Holmes will also probably be back, but that's not guaranteed.
Oakland has spots to fill at the position, and McKenzie needs to make sure that these spots are filled with playmakers. Both free agency and the draft have to be used to rebuild the unit.
Free-Agent Targets
For McKenzie, it's looking like Cobb-or-bust at wide receiver. That's not a bad thing. The Packer Report's Bill Huber reported that "at least one team is prepared to offer him $11 million per season." He goes on to add, "According to a league source, the Oakland Raiders—led by former Packers director of player personnel Reggie McKenzie—are considering offering Cobb a blockbuster deal."
That's a lot of money for a player whom some see as a glorified slot receiver, but the stats back up the deal. It also solves a major issue for Oakland. The Raiders desperately need a true No. 1 receiver, and Cobb can be that player.
Cobb didn't have to handle No. 1 receiver duties with the Green Bay Packers, thanks to Jordy Nelson, but he showed enough to prove that he's ready for the responsibility.
According to Andrew Kulp of CSNPhilly.com, "Maclin has reiterated time and time again that he would like to remain in Philadelphia." The wide receiver has consistently stated he would like to stay with the Philadelphia Eagles, but no deal appears near.
Heading into free agency, Maclin and Cobb were seen as the two top wide receivers. However, Cobb now appears the prize, while Maclin's future appears in limbo given the perception that he's good, but maybe not that good. Kulp writes:
"Maclin demonstrated he is more than capable of holding down a feature receiver job in the NFL in 2014. His 85 receptions, 1318 yards, 15.5 average, 10 touchdowns and 21 catches of 20 yards or more were all career highs, and the numbers likely would’ve been even better had Nick Foles not been sidelined the entire second half of the season with a broken collarbone.
That being said, Maclin isn’t what you would call a dominant force, either. He has good size and speed, not great. He’s a well-rounded player, but not irreplaceable—at least in theory.
"
This could bring down Maclin's asking price. With Cobb looking like he's going to set the bar at about $10 million-$11 million, Maclin would be pricey but more affordable.
Smith has the makings of a true No. 1 receiver. The only problem is that he's never had to be. He's never had more than 65 catches in a season, and he was never asked to help carry the offense with the Baltimore Ravens. Instead, he was just required to be a contributor.
Expecting him to step in as the type of No. 1 receiver Oakland needs—somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 catches, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns—is risky because Smith has never had to do it before. But if Maclin and Cobb sign elsewhere, Smith isn't a bad third option.
Draft Targets
Kevin White
Oakland has to come away with a wide receiver within the first two rounds of the draft. At fourth overall, that pick should be White. He has prototypical size at 6'3" and 215 pounds. And at the combine, he showed that he has the quickness, speed and strength to succeed in the NFL.
His growing reputation is based on a solid senior season, but it wasn't a fluke. In an impressive wide receiver draft class, White is the most impressive. He has the makings of a top wide receiver, and he could step in right away and begin developing chemistry with Derek Carr.
He'll be there for the taking when the Raiders are on the clock, and he should be the selection.
Amari Cooper
Given Oakland's current situation, it's understandable if McKenzie decides to play it safe. If that's the case, Cooper will be the pick.
Questions remain regarding how much of his success in college was due to playing for the powerhouse that is Alabama. Cooper also doesn't have the upside that White has, but he's shown that he has legitimate No. 1 receiver talent.
Cooper is the safe pick. But that doesn't make him a bad one.
Nelson Agholor
If McKenzie decides to wait until the second round to select a wide receiver (he can't wait longer than that), Agholor should be the pick. Despite arguably being a top-five prospect at the position, he's been lost in the shuffle. CBSSports.com has him as the ninth-ranked wide receiver in the upcoming draft.
Agholor is better than that. He's a first-round talent, and he'll be a steal in the second. At 6'0" and 198 pounds, he isn't as physically imposing as some other prospects. But he has the quickness and burst of speed to continue making big plays in the NFL.
What do you think the Raiders' biggest needs are? How do you think the team should address the issue? Is there a free-agent or draft prospect you think needs to be added to this list? Let me know in the comments section below and on Twitter @BrianJ_Flores.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats taken from ESPN.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
