NFL Mock Draft 2011: Oakland Raiders Building a New Foundation

In all the uncertainty with the NFL officially going into lock down mode, one thing is certain: We still will see an NFL Draft. I can still remember how great I felt after the 2010 draft, which arguably was the Raiders' best overall draft of the decade.

Finally we could see that the Raiders had a plan to build a foundation through the draft which would better the franchise over time. Rather than previous years when they overpaid for free agents that only put a band-aid over the much bigger problems.

Now the Raiders look to do the same in 2011. A fan can make the case that this draft is even more important. Without a first round pick, this draft may not get the mainstream hype that last year's did. Do not be misled, however, it can still be just as successful.

Stefan Wisniewski: Center, Penn State

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

I can hear the critics now: "There is no way, Stefan Wisniewski falls to the Raiders." I'm telling you, not only can this happen, but it's likely to happen. This draft is top heavy at the defensive line positions. All the teams who could not get the cream of the crop in the first round will get what's left in the second. The teams who decided to get the big guys in the first round, will go after the skilled wide receivers after that. Not to mention some of the linebackers. Most of the interior lineman, with the exception of a few, will still be there the same way they are every other year.

The Raiders recently signed Samson Satele to a one year deal, but that does not mean all is lost for the "Wiz Kid." What makes Wisniewski such an asset is that he is versatile enough to play all three interior lineman positions. Though, Center may be his natural position, Wisniewski will be able to make an impact elsewhere.

I can't help but remember when Satele went down in the beginning of the year, and Jared Veldheer had to step in for him. It hurt Veldheer's progression at Left Tackle, his more suited position. Having a guy like Wisniewski solves that issue.

WILD CARD OPTIONS: Ras-I Dowling & Jimmy Smith

Whether we resign Nnamdi Asomugha or not, I have the Raiders getting two more corners in this Draft. Ras-I Dowling could be one of them. Despite his injury concerns I don't think Dowling falls to the third round. So passing up a talent like his could be hard for the Raiders. I seriously doubt Jimmy Smith falls out of the first round—unless he takes a Taylor Mays-type fall—but if he is there, I can see the Raiders pulling the trigger.

John Moffitt: Guard, Wisconsin

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10: Offensive lineman John Moffitt #74 of the Wisconsin Badgers blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

John Moffitt's draft stock is rising fast after his Senior Bowl performance. Moffitt is the type of guard that gives a very good blend of power and athleticism. The offensive line has got to be a focus this year, and with the tackle positions not being great, the Raiders might have to continue to bolster their interior.

Moffitt is a hard working, blue collar type of guy that can be a huge rookie impact in 2011. Think how Jon Asamoah helped solidify the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line, and think what a guy like Moffiitt can do with the Raiders. Moffitt, in fact, could be a better prospect.

It seems everyone is on board with keeping Bruce Campbell at the guard position. Personally, I have no idea why. Moffitt gives us a perfect fit right now. Having a guard of this caliber gives us a guy who isn't an experiment, and a player who could be there for the next ten years.

Wild Card Option: Dontay Moch

I'm not sure if Dontay Moch's stock is rising or falling. I am sure he is an absolute freak athletically. He is versatile enough to play defensive end or outside linebacker. If the Raiders get him, he could have the same kind of impact that Kamerion Wimbley had in 2010.

Cotez Allen: Cornerback, Citadel

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Cortez Allen #1 of the Citadel goes up for a pass during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

In the fourth round, this is when the Raiders start looking at depth. For the record, I haven't given up on Walter McFadden or Jeremy Ware, but the Raiders could still look for some help for the outside corners. Despite my optimism, Nnamdi Asomugha could still leave. I'm not sure how committed the Raiders are to Chris Johnson so there is a bit of a need here.

Cortez Allen is the ideal Cornerback for the Raiders: Just a hair under 6'2 and 200 lbs with 4.4 speed. If the Raiders pass up on Dowling, Cortez Allen is a good backup plan. Like Dowling, Allen played primarily man-to-man coverage at Citadel. So you know the Raiders are going to covet this kind of talent.

What makes Allen such a good prospect, is that he is a coach's dream. He is willing put his hands in the dirt and get gritty. Rod Woodson would love a guy like this.

Derek Hall: Offensive Tackle, Standford

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Derek Hall #53 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

There aren't many tackles I really like in this draft. Which is why I believe the Raiders should focus on their interior. But the fact is, our tackle positions are still looking pretty bleak. The Raiders are going into the 2011 season with a whole new offensive line theoretically. So again this draft is going to be a big deal.

Derek Hall—uninvited to the NFL Combine—was the protector of Andrew Luck, a quarterback many think is the best in College Football. Hall was a Pac-10 Honorable Mention in 2010. Scouts felt that he did not display enough athletic ability to wow scouts at the Combine, but his college production was undeniable. That tells me that Hall may be more of a technician than athletic freak. He does however give ideal measurables at 6'5 305 lbs.

I can see Hall being a reliable starter in his career, but probably not as a rookie. So don't expect this late round pick to immediately show his stuff. However, I could see him being a solid player in his future.

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 celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Texas Longhorns in the first half at Kyle Field on November 26, 2009 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Aaron

I have the Raiders taking a Quarterback in the 6th. But maybe not for the same reasons as everyone else.

If you have read my past articles, you know I have a lot of faith in Jason Campbell, not just for the 2011 season, but for a respectable period of time afterwards. For the ones who share the same opinion, the need for a "Quarterback of the Future" may not be as big a need as some may think. The Raiders re-signed Kyle Boller(I have no idea why) but depth at the quarterback position is still a big deal. That is th reason why I think the Raiders draft one.

There are a few guys out there that I like. T.J. Yates is a talented QB and Greg McElroy may be the smartest QB in this draft. But I like my QB's with something to prove and I think the quarterback with the biggest chip on his shoulder is Jerrod Johnson. After a stellar Junior year, Johnson's senior year was full of struggles as Johnson tried to rush back from shoulder surgery.

Now, Johnson is proving that he is 100% and his Combine showed that. His Pro-Day backed it up. He is getting some looks from other teams, and I'm sure the Raiders will do the same.

He doesn't need to be the quarterback of the future. Lets not put that label on any QB drafted. Just ask guys like Marques Tuiasosopo or Andrew Walter. However, grooming a quarterback will be beneficial.

Demarcus Van Dyke: Cornerback, 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)

Fastest man at the Combine—enough said, right? Wrong!

Demarcus Van Dyke was opposite Brandon Harris who is a top player at his position. Because of Van Dyke's measurables, many felt Miami should've had a bit of a cornerback tandem. Unfortunately, Van Dyke found himself victimized, which is to be expected from a seventh round pick. So don't let that turn you off from him. I seriously doubt there are lock down corners in the seventh round.

But what makes him so intriguing is that he has pretty decent fundamentals. I just think he needs to refine his skills with quality coaching.

The knock on Van Dyke that I have is that he is not very big. He was 176 lbs at the combine but played at 160. So I do question if he is going to give his body up in the run game. At 6'2 and 34 inch arms, someone is going to  give this guy a shot.