The 2015 NFL Draft is only days away, and the Oakland Raiders have a lot to consider. With the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, there has been a lot of speculation of what they will do and who they will take.
General manager, Reggie McKenzie, has been receiving some offers to trade down in this year’s draft, which could help the Raiders in the long run; but so could drafting a top playmaker available.
Last year they got lucky with Khalil Mack at four, and got a steal with Derek Carr in the second. Carr showed he has what it takes to lead a team, but he still needs some help. While Mack’s stats may not be anything overly special from his rookie season, he swarmed the field each week and put pressure on the quarterback.
Playmakers were a big need this offseason, offensively and defensively, but the Raiders were unable to sign any of the top free agents. Now, they’ll rely on the draft to bring in talent and make an immediate impact.
According to several mock drafts, NFL analysts have the Raiders taking either Amari Cooper or Leonard Williams with the fourth pick.
Oakland will have seven selections in this year’s draft, unless they decide to trade down for more.
As Al Davis said, “the quarterback must go down and he must go down hard.” Pass rush is important and as the Raiders look to build a defensive bully revolving around Mack and Sio Moore, Williams looks to be a perfect match with Oakland’s need at defensive end.
They also need offensive targets for Carr. The young quarterback had some rookie moments, but also shined in his rookie season. He didn’t have much to work with either; no run game, mediocre receivers, and a questionable offensive line. This offseason, they signed Michael Crabtree who can serve as a quick fix and provide an experienced target for Carr, but with Crabtree comes drama, and he isn’t a long-term solution at the position; something Carr and company could greatly benefit from.
Last year’s draft was a successful one for the silver and black. Not only were their first two selections players they will build around for the future, with the potential to be franchise players, but their selections in the later rounds also made a strong impact.
Gabe Jackson, Justin Ellis, and T.J. Carrie are some names from the Raiders 2014 draft class who were highly valuable throughout the season.
The Raiders have not had many good drafts in their history, but last year’s was just what the doctor ordered for a rebuilding team undergoing a lot of change. This year they will look to repeat that success and bring in players to don the shield for years to come and get this team back to their winning ways under new head coach, Jack Del Rio.