Paul Gutierrez
Editor’s word: The views and opinions expressed within the article beneath are these of the Raiders.com editorial workers and contributors and don’t signify the official positions of the Raiders’ soccer personnel or the group.
Mock drafts are like excuseseveryone has one. And everybody has an excuse when their mock draft goes, properly, sideways. So, with my full chest, I’m proud to announce I “earned” a grade of A- for my work on Pro Football Network’smock draft simulator. And, for what it is value, I didn’t imbibe in any trades, although there have been a number of alternatives. Enjoy
Round 1, Pick 1
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
A no brainer, proper? Wellin this simulation, the Jets provided me the Nos. 2, 16, 33 and 44 picks for No. 1. That would give me 5 picks within the prime 44. FIVE!!! Talk a few rebuild. Meh, the Raiders have been ready in joyful hope for a really transformative franchise QB. Heismandoza it’s, then.
Round 2, Pick 36
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Raiders are shifting to a 3-4 base protection and in determined want of an area eater in the course of the D-line. Lo and behold, McDonald, a dominant run defender and space-clogger, is on the market on this mock. No must hesitate, then.
Round 3, Pick 67
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Ah, sure, the quintessential legacy pickwith expertise. The great-nephew of late Raiders Hall of Fame receiver Cliff Branch has the identical small-but-speedy profile as his great-uncle. Sure, the Raiders have already got Tre Tucker and are extra in want of a prototypical X-receiver on the surface. But Branch is a Swiss Army knife and this choose is betting – closely – on Dont’e Thornton Jr. and, to a point Jack Bech, taking two steps ahead this season.
Round 4, Pick 102
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
The Raiders are in want of cornerback depth to affix Eric Stokes and Darien Porter on the surface and Muhammad, a highly-rated bodily nook who is just not afraid to stay his nostril within the pile, nonetheless being obtainable on Day 3 is large. As in, a no brainer choose right here.
Round 4, Pick 117
Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson
Raiders GM John Spytek mentioned O-linemen are “sexy as hell” and, properly, right here we’re. Day 3 of the draft is about depth and pearls. Leigh, who began three seasons at Clemson, would profit enormously from teaching and competing.
Round 4, Pick 134
Logan Taylor, G, Boston College
Remember what Spytek mentioned of O-linemen? Versatility solely provides to their Q scores and Taylor has began at each place on the road besides middle. He interprets to a guard within the NFL, although, and the Raiders want our bodies on the inside.
Round 5, Pick 175
Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
At 6-foot-5, 242 kilos, Daniels is large for a linebacker in in the present day’s schemes. But he’s additionally a former security, and Jeremy Chinn, a security who additionally performs some linebacker, can be a mannequin mentor for Daniels.
Round 6, Pick 185
Wydett Williams, Jr., S, Ole Miss
Speaking of safetiesWilliams, who had 73 tackles, three INTs and 10 PBUs final season, would add depth to a room in want of depth. Make sense?
Round 6, Pick 208
Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan
This could possibly be a attain however I feel the Raiders might use one other fullback to compete with free agent-signee Connor Heyward, plus they reportedlymet with him on the Combine. And Bredeson, like Spytek and minority proprietor Tom Brady is, you guessed it, a Michigan man. And Ashton Jeanty might have one other lead blocker.
Round 7, Pick 219
Kansei Matsuzawa, Ok, Hawaii
What a narrative. The Tokyo Toe taught himself how you can kick by watching YouTube movies after he attended a Raiders recreation in Oakland and obtained hooked on soccer. Matsuzawa would have a global fan following instantly, however must beat out veteran Matt Gay in camp.
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