Oakland Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft After Start of Free Agency
This year, Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie doesn't seem particularly interested in free agency. However, there's still plenty of time to ink a few impact players for the 2017 season.
In the backdrop, the Raiders still have to set aside cash for quarterback Derek Carr and edge-rusher Khalil Mack. Those contracts take precedent over anyone on the free-agent market. For the time being, the front office signed offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse to a two-year, $3.5 million deal, per Spotrac.
McKenzie seems focused on addressing major roster needs in April. The Raiders haven't been linked to linebackers Dont'a Hightower, Kevin Minter or Zach Brown. Though, defensive tackle Dontari Poe has a scheduled visit in Oakland, per CBS Sports reporter Jason La Canfora.
Looking toward the 2017 draft, Raiders fans shouldn't fret about missing out on prominent free agents. This year's class will provide prospects through the mid rounds at multiple positions of need.
Based on a realistic mock draft simulation provided by Fanspeak, we'll project the Raiders' latest selections through seven rounds.
Round 1: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
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Unlike the past two drafts, McKenzie could stray away from addressing a top priority need in the first round. In the simulation, linebackers Zach Cunningham and Haason Reddick came off the board before the No. 24 overall pick, which may happen on draft day.
The Raiders have their starting cornerbacks in place with T.J. Carrie playing in the slot, but Oakland's secondary struggled on the perimeter against quality wideouts last year. Oakland should select a potential starter, who will challenge Carrie in the slot or potentially step in for a struggling starter on the outside.
Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley tested just as good as fellow Buckeye Marshon Lattimore at the NFL Scouting Combine. Conley ran a 4.44 40-time and displayed the ability to backpedal, shift efficiently in tight space and track the football during the position drills.
At 6'0", 195 pounds, Conley provides press-coverage qualities similar to what the Raiders see in David Amerson and Smith. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein compares him to Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib.
The Ohio State product will fall behind Lattimore, but he's still a first-round selection with the ability to start right away.
Round 2: Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern
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After choosing a cornerback in the first round, teams selecting early in the second round picked linebackers Jarrad Davis and Raekwon McMillan. Northwestern's Anthony Walker Jr. seems like a leftover prospect behind the flashy names, but he's exactly what the Raiders need at the position.
On tape, Walker looked robotic with added weight at 245 pounds. Fortunately, he dropped to 238 pounds at the combine and moved with swift feet and loose hips during the drills. He became a tackle machine over the past two years, accumulating 225 in total. In coverage, Northwestern's defensive leader logged four interceptions and 12 passes defensed in three seasons.
Oakland doesn't have to reach for a linebacker with the first pick, especially when a second-round talent compares well to top prospects at the position. This year, the Raiders should focus on scheme fit to push for a Super Bowl run as opposed to putting faith in potential with their second selection.
Round 3: Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State
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Dan Williams and Justin Ellis still fill the depth chart as the starting defensive tackles. Though, at any point, the Raiders could release Williams and recoup $4.5 million. Ideally, the money would go toward offensive guard Gabe Jackson's extension or an impact free-agent signing.
For now, the Raiders should add competition at the defensive tackle position. The defense needs to find pressure through the A-gaps on the interior. Over the past two seasons, Williams and Ellis have logged 1.5 sacks combined. Opposing offensive lines don't have to worry about pressure up the middle. Lately, it's been a weak spot in run defense as well.
Oklahoma State defensive tackle Vincent Taylor measured at 6'3", 304 pounds, and his resume shows a knack for pressuring the quarterback. In his final collegiate season, he racked up 7.5 sacks and flashed as a disruptor in the backfield with 13 tackles for a loss. Zierlein questions Taylor's ability to rush the passer in the pros due to high pad level, but it's a fixable flaw.
Along with Darius Latham, Taylor should be able to challenge for a spot at defensive tackle on passing downs at the very least. In a year or two, he'll reach starting potential as a versatile three-down defender.
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Round 4: Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming
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Running backs Jeremy McNichols, James Conner and Samaje Perine would all fit in this spot. However, none remained once the Raiders hit the clock in the fourth round of the simulation. What's plan D to complete the backfield? Well, Wyoming's Brian Hill put together a productive junior season before entering the draft and stood out at the combine.
Hill ran a 4.54 40-time, but the Raiders need a ball-carrier with ideal size and strength to handle short-yardage and goal-line situations. Speed takes a backseat in that particular role. The Wyoming standout benched pressed 225 pounds 15 times and displayed explosive lower-body strength in the broad jump with a 10'5" leap for fourth place among prospects at his position.
Similar to running back DeAndre Washington in the previous draft, Hill's name isn't discussed as a quality mid-round draft pick. Though, his production shows otherwise. He ran for 1,860 yards on 349 attempts and scored 22 touchdowns in his breakout junior year.
As Hill sharpens his pass-blocking skills, he'll become a reliable three-down back and complement to Jalen Richard and Washington.
Round 5: Josh Jones, S, North Carolina State
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Within a strong defensive back group, North Carolina State product Josh Jones separated himself as an athletic prospect with ball-tracking skills. He already looks the part at 6'1", 220 pounds. Furthermore, his workouts matched what looks like ascending talent on film.
Jones' hard-hitting style paired with an eye for forcing turnovers in coverage should allow him to play both safety positions on the pro level. His propensity to deliver a monster hit as opposed to wrapping up a simple tackle will frustrate coaches, but it's a teaching point and a minor misstep as a tone-setter on the back end of the defense.
The Raiders lost safety Brynden Trawick to the Tennessee Titans during free agency, per the team's official website. As a result, the North Carolina State product will start his career on special teams and eventually see more time on defense once Reggie Nelson's contract expires after the 2017 season.
Round 6: Ben Braden, OG, Michigan
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The Raiders stocked their offensive line with perimeter players but carry few natural interior linemen on the roster. As mentioned, the front office signed Newhouse.
According to ESPN's Adam Caplan, Denver Kirkland and Vadal Alexander will compete to start at right tackle, which leaves questions about Austin Howard as he recovers from two shoulder surgeries.
Oakland has been mum on extending Jackson. Alexander and Kirkland have the ability to shift inside, but Jon Feliciano lists as the only linemen fixed on the interior. At 6'6", 329 pounds, Michigan product Ben Braden carries the size needed to fit into the Raiders' massive offensive line rotation. Naturally, he's a mauler with limited athleticism.
McKenzie will likely draft high at the guard position in 2018, but it's not too early to add depth alongside Feliciano, who also serves as the backup center. Braden spent his sophomore year at right tackle, which projects some versatility in his game.
Round 7: Calvin Munson, LB, San Diego State
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The Raiders have to start compiling healthy capable bodies at the linebacker position. Neiron Ball has played six games in two seasons. After losing his starting job, Ben Heeney landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Shilique Calhoun's season ended after 10 games. He underwent a procedure on his knee.
Last year, McKenzie drafted linebacker Cory James, and he's more likely a career special teams player. San Diego State linebacker Calvin Munson may also fall into the same category, but he possesses pass-rush and downhill thumper qualities.
Munson amassed 10.5 sacks during his junior season and followed with 116 tackles as a sideline-to-sideline defender at inside linebacker in 2016. Through four years at San Diego State, he logged seven interceptions in coverage.
Walker should have the first crack at a starting linebacker spot, but Munson could contribute as a disguised pass-rusher or run defender on early downs.
Round 7: Josiah Price, TE, Michigan State
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Even though tight end Mychal Rivera hasn't signed with another team, Oakland doesn't seem aggressive in re-signing the fifth-year pro.
Furthermore, the Raiders showed interest in Martellus Bennett before he inked a deal with the Green Bay Packers. Offensive coordinator Todd Downing may want more tight end receptions in the passing game for the upcoming season.
Michigan State's Josiah Price didn't participate at the combine, but he's a potential late-round steal when viewing his film. He scored 21 touchdowns through four years. Despite losing quarterback Connor Cook in the previous season, Price's production remained consistent.
The Raiders may push Gabe Holmes into Rivera's old role, but competition will bring out the best between the receiving tight ends on the roster. It's uncertain how Clive Walford will progress in Downing's system, but the interest in Bennett shows the team wants a big target who's productive in the red zone.
Stats provided by Sports-Reference.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.
Player measurements and combine results provided by NFL.com.
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