Oakland Raiders' 2011 Mock Draft: Building a Bully in the AFC West

In Hue Jackson's press conference, he mentioned that he wanted to build a bully on defense. He wants the power run game, which means the Oakland Raiders are going to have to re-shape their offensive line in order to execute Jackson's offense. 2011 has got to be a quality draft for the Oakland Raiders, that way they can continue to progress the way they did in 2010. It is safe to say that 2010 was the Raiders best overall draft in some time. One may argue, that 2011 has got to be better. To be honest with you Raider Nation, I do not see that happening.

Without a first round pick, the Raiders are missing out on a quality talent pool this year. I know some believe Al Davis will trade back into the first round this year, but I don't see the Raiders having the resources to do that. Though this years draft may not be as good as last years, that doesn't mean it can't be a quality one. Each draft pick has got to count, which means we can't take a chance on a speedy wide receiver(no offense Jacoby Ford, you showed up big time), even though we probably will. Some picks have to contribute right away, while others may need to sit awhile. However each pick must have the best intentions for the future of our franchise.

This is my 2011 Mock Draft. Please comment, I would love to talk about this years draft with all of the Raider Nation

Round 2, Stefan Wisneiwski: Center, Penn St

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Guard Stefan Wisniewski #61 of the Penn State Nittany Lions leaves the field after play against the Florida Gators January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Get

I think overall, Mike Pouncey is the better Center. I think Pouncey is the guy that the fans want. He is the one that Hue Jackson would want. But I think Wisniewski is the one Al Davis wants. He is a pick that Jackson could live with, and a pick we as fans would more than be satisfied with.

Al Davis knows the Wisniewski bloodline very well. Stefan's father Leo played in the NFL, and his uncle Steve Wisniewski played his entire career of 13 years as a Raider, 8 of those years being Pro Bowl campaigns.

The debate on Pouncey vs Wisniewski is on going. Some have Poucey first, like myself, some have Wisniewski first, which I completely understand. Both of them are physical specimens for their respective positions, both play with a combination of nastiness and tenacity. But these are not the reasons why they are ranked so closely. They are both very intelligent football players. Each of them would be instant upgrades to whatever team they go to. Lets hope the Raiders get their chance at Wisniewski.

Round 3, Marvin Austin: Defensive Tackle, North Carolina

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Marvin Austin #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels goes after the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

A name like Marvin Austin is picking up steam after his performance at the East-West Shrine game. A prototypical 4-3 Defensive Tackle, Austin brings a big motor and relentlessness to his game. Keep in mind the Raiders may loose out on DT Richard Seymour. I don't think Seymour is going anywhere, but we need some depth at this point. Desmond Bryant is good, but a little to inconsistent. A guy like Austin is good insurance, and may be a good replacement for Seymour once he decides to retire.

We all know that stopping the run is what the Raiders need to focus on. Austin helps fill that void. Austin has been in flux as far as his draft projection is concerned. I think the third round is exactly where he falls.

Round 4, Casey Matthews: Linebacker, Oregon

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 6: Linebacker Casey Matthews #55 of the Oregon Ducks warms up before the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Casey Matthews is a dynamite linebacker. Matthews plays with an amazing amount of heart. He is a great teammate and a true lover of the game. When I found out he had a fifth round projection, I was shocked. I just knew he would at least be a third rounder. Then I thought to myself  "The Raiders have got to take a serious look at this guy.

Matthews plays Inside Line Backer, but he has the athleticism to play on the outside. He does tend to over pursue, but has the quickness to overcome it. The problem is, there is a difference between quickness and speed. He is not going to run a crazy good 40 time. That could hurt him in the Raiders eyes.

We all know about his bloodline. From his Father, to his Uncle, to his Brother. Wouldn't you love it if he could bleed Silver and Black?

Round 5, James Wilson: Offensive Guard, Florida

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GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 10: Safety Will Hill #10 and offensive lineman James Wilson #66 of the Florida Gators lead the team in the singing of the school fight song with fans after the Orange & Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on April 10, 2010 in Ga

If the Raiders decide to pass on Mike Pouncey, a guy like James Wilson would be a good pick up late. A true athletic phenom, Wilson stands at 6'3 and 320. He would be an ideal guard in the power blocking scheme that the Raiders will be implementing.

Word is, Wilson runs a 40 time of 5.0 flat. I personally have to see it to believe it. But reguardless Wilson could be a great pulling guard for the Raiders.

Round 6, Jerrod Johnson: Quarterback, Texas A&M

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Jerrod Johnson #1 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to throw the ball downfield to an open receiver against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Kyle Field on November 26, 2009 in College Station, Texas. The

6'5, 250lbs, big arm. He felt wrongfully benched for a less talented quarterback. He handled the situation with poise and class supporting his replacement. He has good ball skills and can sell the play action pass. Remind you of anyone? Yeah, he reminded me of Jason Campbell too. Jerrod Johnson has the prototypical body of a quality quarterback.

He made some good decisions with the football his junior year, but had a rough senior year. After his shoulder surgery Johnson definitely lost a step and tried to overcompensate, which eventually led to his benching. Now Johnson is trying to clean up his now healed shoulder, and show his skills.  It will be interesting to see how he tests at the Scouting Combine.

Don't worry Jason Campbell, you're still my guy. I'm behind you 100%. But the fact is, Bruce Gradkowski probably will be up in the air as far as us keeping him or not. Kyle Boller cant be trusted with a football in his hands, Charlie Frye is a good guy, but is he worth keeping? And J.T. O'Sullivan...really?

Round 7, Demarcus Van Dyke: CB, Miami

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: DeVier Posey #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes battles with DeMarcus Van Dyke #8 for possession of a pass at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. The pass was incomplete. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

I know in my introduction, I said the we have to make every pick count, and we can't take a gamble on certain positions. Well, i'm going to have to make an acception on this one. He is projected to be a 7th rounder, so at least you know its not a reach. To be honest, Van Dyke could very well go undrafted.

So why use a draft pick on him?

6'2, 175lbs, decent in man coverage, will run a mid 4.3 to a low 4.4 in the forty.

Yeah, you think Al Davis is going to leave an athlete like that up to chance? I dont think so.

Van Dyke is actually a pretty decent corner, coming out in a strong cornerback draft class. He has good hands, and can sometimes can run the routtes for the reciever, which for a CB, is a good thing. I would'nt want to run an out route, or a curl route on this guy. As you can see in the picture he looks more like the intended target than the receiver does.