That’s right, Raiders fans, the NFL Draft starts tomorrow!! And to help you get through this final day before one of the biggest drafts in franchise history, I figured I would throw out some predictions for what the Raiders do over the next three days.
Raiders trade back from 4 and draft Devin White
This isn’t what I would like to see the Raiders do, but it’s what my gut tells me they’re going to do. Many see Devin White as a difference maker who would have a big time impact on whatever team’s defense drafts him.
That’s fair but I also think that the Raiders have bigger needs and there are better players available at those bigger needs. But when it’s all said and done White is talented enough that he could absolutely end up being a great pick for the Raiders.
Raiders take two offensive players in their first four picks
The Raiders need defensive players bad. Real bad. Like there’s a legit reason to be a little bit scared about the defense at this point. And yet despite that, I fully expect the Raiders to draft at least two offensive players in the first four picks.
Free agency wasn’t a fluke or a game plan to attack offense in free agency and defense in the draft. Free agency was an example of how Jon Gruden views team building. Go for a juggernaut offense and do just enough on defense.
Raiders end up with at least 10 picks
The Raiders currently have eight picks in the Draft but I expect that to change. I think the Raiders will trade back at least once in their first four picks and obtain two additional picks, a third rounder to replace the one they gave up for Antonio Brown and a late rounder as icing on the cake.
Raiders do not draft a QB
Many expect the Raiders to draft a quarterback this year and some expect it to happen in the first round. I’m leaning the exact opposite direction and am predicting they won’t take a quarterback at all.
I think Gruden has shown a propensity to prefer veteran quarterbacks over rookies (who he typically doesn’t have much patience for) and the Raiders went out and signed Mike Glennon and Landry Jones. In those guys, I think Gruden believes he has a talent that he can mold (Glennon) and a veteran he can rely on in a pinch (Jones). I think Gruden is probably pretty happy with his QB room for this season, but will re-evaluate after this year,
Raiders trade back from 24 into the 2nd round
That’s right, I’m predicting two trade backs in the first round, one of which takes the Raiders out of the first round.
I think there are going to be a lot of very good options available to the Raiders in the back of the first round. Because of that, I think the Raiders are comfortable giving up the number 24 pick in order to obtain more draft picks, knowing full well there will be a guy at 27 that they will love and another at 35 who will be very good.
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Good prediction. I like it.