Oakland Raiders 2011 Mock Draft: 9 Players That Fit the Silver and Black

The 2010 NFL regular season has ended, therefore it's time to evaluate the draft prospects for 2011.

Over the past twelve weeks, I have watched film on over two-hundred college prospects. Based on my analysis, I've listed the best college prospects for the Oakland Raiders.

When evaluating the needs of the Oakland Raiders, I focused on their most glaring deficiencies: pass protection, inexperienced wide receivers, and their run defense.

In all fairness, I believe the offensive tackle position must be addressed; however, I believe it will be addressed through free agency, rather than the 2011 draft because of the lack of depth at the tackle position among the draft prospects.

Center, Stefen Wisniewski, Penn St.

Center Penn State Stefen Wisniewski

Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State

Wisniewski, whose father and uncle both played in the NFL, was the first true freshman Nittany Lion to start along the offensive line since 1999. With the ever-declining skills and matador-style blocking of Raiders Center Samson Satele, Wisniewski would be an ideal fit to anchor the Raiders offensive line for the next decade.

While Wisniewski played guard his first two seasons, he transitioned to center in his junior season, which speaks to his versitility. Wisniewski stays low with a good center of gravity, has great foot work, and is tactical as any college lineman. His pedigree, work ethic, and high football IQ make him a perfect fit for the emerging Raiders offensive line. 

 2nd Bet:

Kristofer O'Dowd, C, USC

O'Dowd started as a freshman for USC who recruits as good as any college team in America.

WR, Terrence Toliver, LSU

Terrence Toliver, WR, LSU 6’5 204

Toliver is, if not, the most experienced receiver in college football.  At 6'5'' and 204 pounds, Toliver is the prototype possession receiver. But the most astonishing part about him is his speed: 4.42, which fits the classic Raiders profile. Besides the offensive line, the Raiders lacked a big tough go-to receiver.

If you have not seen him play; watch footage of this year's Cotton Bowl where he scored 3 TDs along with 125 yards receiving.

2nd Bet: 

Austin Pettis, WR, Boise St. 6’3 203

Yet, it is Pettis' size that will make a quality receiver in the NFL. He is an excellent route runner with great hands who plays physical.

DT, Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss (A Super Run Stuffer)

Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi

Powe,named to the All-SEC Second Team by the Associated Press, has been clocked as fast as 5.02 in the 40-yard dash. Not bad considering he's 6'2'' and 320-pound. A solid run-stuffer, Powe could be a perfect 2-down run stuffer for the ailing Raiders run defense. 

2nd Bet:

Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor 6’4 340

Taylor, a Penn State transfer, has the potential to be the steal of the draft. He requires a double team against the run and plays with the low center of gravity, so once he's planted, he's a mountain.

Do It All LB, Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina

Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina 6’2 235

What makes Sturdivant so valuable is his versatility. He can play any linebacker position, and once he is there he can do everything one would want a linebacker to do. He can obviously use his 6-2, 235 pound frame to fight his way into the backfield, but he is also more than capable of dropping back into coverage.

2nd Bet:

Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU

Sheppard has good size at 6'3'' and 240 pounds and he has been clocked as fast as 4.56 in the 40-yard dash. He is a great tackler and a locker room leader.

Shut Down Corner, Jimmy Smith, Colorado

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado 6-2 210

Jimmy Smith might be an unknown today, but I predict he will be the cornerstone of an NFL team for years to come-- hopefully, the Oakland Raiders. Though Smith's numbers are not that great, like Nnamdi, no one threw at him.

At 6-2 210 pounds, he is great against the run but the stat that jumps out most: he runs a 4.4

Mark my word: Jimmy Smith will be the steal of the draft for some lucky team.

As my Assistant Scout Bryce Redhead proclaimed, "Smith is a stud and he may possibly be the best corner in this year's draft."