10 Players Oakland Raiders Should Avoid in 2017 NFL Draft
You've probably read through countless mock drafts for the Oakland Raiders. Writers and analysts have highlighted the best fits for the roster over the past few months. Up to this point, fans also participated in simulations to find the perfect eight-man combination to put the team over the top in the upcoming season and beyond.
Realistically, general managers and draft shot-callers dip their hands into the unknown. Who predicted running back Latavius Murray would enter the league as a sixth-round pick and develop into a featured back over time?
On the other hand, front offices must avoid draft misses, which include prospects who struggle with off-field issues that affect their availability, players with extensive injury histories and those who may receive generous draft grades.
Every prospect coming into the league has a chance to succeed in the NFL, but the scheme or placement fit hinders or helps results. The coming list provides 10 prospects the Raiders should avoid on draft day. The reasons range from inflated values to a strong organizational stance against a specific off-field issue.
To avoid the obvious, it's understood the Raiders won't draft top-ranked quarterbacks. None of them made this list.
Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
1 of 10
Before the NFL Scouting Combine, Raiders fans whispered about running back Joe Mixon as a potential replacement for Murray. The Oklahoma ball-carrier stands 6'1" and 226 pounds with enough skill to lead the Raiders backfield, but he punched a female student in July 2014. ESPN.com's John Clayton discussed how the incident affects the running back's draft status.
The Raiders have taken a hard stance against domestic violence, and it starts with owner Mark Davis. When pass-rusher Greg Hardy hit the free-agent market in 2015, Davis made it clear why the team wouldn't be interested in a defensive end in the prime of his career, per San Francisco Chronicle reporter Ann Killion:
"As the NFL is once again consumed with the issue of domestic violence, following the release of the photos of Greg Hardy's battered former girlfriend, it is worth noting that at least one NFL owner has stood up as a voice of reason.
Last March, Davis quickly shut the door on budding rumors that the Raiders would be interested in adding Hardy. At the time, Davis said he had no interest and that consistency on the issue was important to him.
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Davis further commented on domestic violence with another clear statement, "double-zero tolerance like Jim Otto's number."
Killion's two-year-old report goes into Davis' ongoing relationship with former Raiders receiver Fred Biletnikoff, whose daughter was murdered by an ex-boyfriend.
Despite Mixon's visit with the Raiders, per ESPN's Adam Caplan, there's a 0 percent chance the Silver and Black draft him. With the move to Las Vegas hanging overhead, the franchise doesn't need any more negative publicity.
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
2 of 10
After signing tight end Jared Cook to pair along with Clive Walford, Lee Smith and Gabe Holmes at the position, there's no need to select O.J. Howard in the first round.
The Alabama product ranks as the top prospect among tight ends within the draft class. The Raiders don't have enough room to maximize his talents on a crowded depth chart. Secondly, general manager Reggie McKenzie must fill major holes on defense.
In a hypothetical scenario, McKenzie should pass on Howard even if he's somehow available at No. 24. How would Howard help cover tight ends, running backs or fix the secondary? Oakland acquired two receivers during free agency, and the offense doesn't need another one.
When looking at McKenzie's draft history, he's typically addressed a high-priority need in the first round. The Raiders already have their tight end stable in place.
Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
3 of 10
Takkarist McKinley will likely come off the board within the first two rounds. He projects as a talented 3-4 edge-rusher, which the Raiders don't need.
Last year, McKenzie drafted Shilique Calhoun, who fell to the third round. He became the insurance policy in case Aldon Smith struggled through his reinstatement process. With two prominent edge-rushers in Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, the defense doesn't have a need for an early-round rush linebacker. Calhoun still has room to grow at the position.
There's always room for pass-rushers, but the defense needs early contributors. McKinley would essentially share leftover snaps with Calhoun, James Cowser and Smith, if he's reinstated. As a potential first- or second-round pick, he's not a good fit in Oakland. McKenzie should focus on linebackers who can play inside or challenge Jelani Jenkins on the weak side.
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Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
4 of 10
The Raiders struggled to cover the deep ball in the previous season. The pass defense ranked last in average yards allowed per completion (12.6), per Team Rankings.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey struggled in the same area on the back end of Alabama’s defense in 2016, per NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein: "Issues playing the deep ball are a concern. From off coverage, overreacts to route fakes and opens the door to a big play. Allowed more than 19 yards per completion as a starter. Can be slow to locate the ball and finds himself out of optimal position to play the ball."
Zierlein's assessment sounds painfully similar to cornerback D.J. Hayden's early years as a Raider mixed with a major issue for the secondary last year. McKenzie shouldn't draft a prospect who compounds existing shortcomings on pass defense.
Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama
5 of 10
It's extremely difficult to gauge a player's impact when he lines up next to and around other first-round picks. Almost every year, Alabama sends early draft picks into the NFL, specifically on defense. A relatively even playing field in the pros neutralizes concentrated high-end talent witnessed on the collegiate level. As a result, some Alabama prospects flourish and others fall into mediocrity or obscurity.
CBSSports.com ranks defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson as a Day 2 prospect, but he's more likely a fourth- or fifth-round pick outside Alabama's defense. Keep in mind he lined up alongside Jonathan Allen on the inside and put up average numbers.
The Raiders need a pass-rushing defensive tackle, not a one-dimensional gap-stuffer. On film, Tomlinson seems to fall into the latter category. If McKenzie goes after an Alabama defensive tackle, it should be Allen.
Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU
6 of 10
The Raiders can't settle for just any inside linebacker. The defense needs an athletic centerpiece who can assist in short-area pass coverage, backpedal to cover receivers crossing the middle and charge downhill with reliable tackling skill.
On film, it is clear LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith has limitations moving laterally. He tore his ACL in November, which may have an effect on sideline-to-sideline movement early in his professional career. Oakland would be better off selecting Ohio State product Raekwon McMillan on Day 2 as opposed to Beckwith on Day 3.
The Raiders have yet to re-sign Perry Riley, who played well in 11 games as an in-season pickup at inside linebacker. Without a proven veteran at the position, McKenzie must swing for the fences during the draft to fill the void. Another miss at the linebacker could mean Cory James or Ben Heeney starts inside for the 2017 season.
Alex Anzalone, OLB, Florida
7 of 10
Similar to linebacker Neiron Ball, Alex Anzalone comes from the same school (Florida) and also goes into the league with durability issues. He didn't play a full season on the collegiate level because of myriad injuries.
If Anzalone can't stay healthy on the college level, how will he fare when banging against bigger, stronger bodies on the professional level? In another connection to Ball, the 6'3", 241-pounder could play all three linebacker positions because of his speed, athleticism and size.
However, his versatility serves no good to the Raiders when he's on the sideline. McKenzie took a chance with Ball, and he's played six games in two seasons. At a spot with depth, Anzalone would be a bonus pickup. However, the Raiders need healthy, able bodies ready to contribute at a weak linebacker spot.
Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
8 of 10
When drafting, the ideal strategy focuses on strengthening weak spots, finding players to contribute right away and adding building blocks for the future. Oakland already has two running backs with scatback qualities.
Both DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard list at 5'8" and slightly over 200 pounds. San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey measured 5'8" and 176 pounds at the combine. The Raiders wouldn't benefit much from a tailback smaller than the two already on the roster.
McKenzie said the team would draft a bigger running back during the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix, per San Francisco Chronicle reporter Vic Tafur. If it’s not Marshawn Lynch, who weighs about 220 to 235 pounds with a physical run style, expect the Raiders executive to fill the role with a mid-round draft pick.
Zach Banner, OL, USC
9 of 10
The Raiders have likely fawned over Southern California offensive lineman Zach Banner's size, but he's stiff in movement. Furthermore, there's a discrepancy as to where he fits on the offensive line, an AFC regional scout told Zierlein.
"Everyone is going to write him as a guard, but I'm writing him as a tackle," the scout said. "They all have issues. I think we could work around him at tackle."
Concerns about his lateral quickness as a perimeter protector and ability to pull as a guard should drop him off the Raiders' big board completely.
Tackle Menelik Watson often received the nod over Austin Howard because of his athletic advantages at right tackle. Jon Feliciano's slow-plodding feet hurt him during his rookie campaign as a fill-in starter at right guard. Other than size, Banner doesn't offer much to the Raiders' solid offensive line.
Jeremy Cutrer, CB, Middle Tennessee
10 of 10
At 6'2" and 170 pounds, cornerback Jeremy Cutrer has the length. He also picked off six passes over the past two seasons with Middle Tennessee. However, he lacks the mass to handle bigger and more athletic wideouts in the pros.
Analysts often describe Cutrer's physique as stringy. He'll bulk up and increase his strength with the facilities available to him, but the Raiders typically go after bigger cornerbacks who can jam on the outside or play physical on the inside.
At 6' and 204 pounds, T.J. Carrie shows reliable tackling ability, which allows him to play in the slot and at strong safety. At Cutrer's size, he's prone to embarrassing stiff-arm tactics after the catch. If the Middle Tennessee product adds significant weight, there's a possibility that he loses speed and quickness in coverage.
With a deep cornerback draft class, McKenzie will have his choice of much better options at the position through the third and fourth rounds.
Stats provided by Sports Reference and Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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