Here’s what I believe the Raiders will do in the draft:
1) Stay at 7 (or possibly trade up if one of the four true blue chippers are available and the cost is reasonable): QB Bryce Young, QB CJ Stroud, DE Will Anderson, DE Tyree Wilson. Note: The Raiders may have one or two other players at this level, including Joey Porter or Devon Weatherspoon. These four players — and possibly one or two more on the Raiders’ board — are head and shoulders above the others in this draft. There is a considerable drop off after these players to the point that a player picked at 10 will not be rated that much higher than someone in the second round or later in the first round. This draft is deep in the first three or four rounds.
2) Trade down to accumulate more draft capital. I believe the best value in this draft will be at the end of the first round and into the second and third rounds. If we can pick QBs Will Levis or Anthony Richardson at the middle or end of the first round, we may pull the trigger, but I fully expect these players will be gone by pick 10-12. The only way I see the Raiders gambling with Levis or Richardson is if we can add enough draft capital to adequately address our other needs in the second or third rounds. The most likely scenario is that the Raiders trade down at least twice, accumulating additional picks for their trouble.
3) After accumulating more draft capital, add at least one or two players at every level of the defense. We desperately need a run stopping DT who can also get penetration on passing players, another edge rusher, linebackers who can cover and CBs with the speed and athleticism to cover NFL receivers. More than anything, we need players with an attitude, who set the tone on defense. We also need a RT, a TE and an interior offensive lineman, but I see the focus this year will definitely be on defense. When it’s all said and done, I think the Raiders will have at least 12 picks, possibly more, but we can also use the additional picks to move up to pick the players we believe will best fit our system.
4) This draft will be the foundation on which the McDaniels/Zeigler led team will build the Raiders. We cannot swing and miss on players if this team has any chance in future years. Speaking of future years, don’t be surprised if you see the Raiders trade a second this year for a first next year or receive another pick next year as part of the compensation for moving down in the draft. If they believe the pick they receive will set them up to select a franchise QB next year, they may play a little “chess” with these picks. This team can improve dramatically next year with Jimmy G and a better defense, but we will not compete for Super Bowls until we get our own franchise QB. Think long-term. McDaniels, Zeigler and Mark Davis are.
5) Anthony Richardson is the wild card in this draft. I watched an informative video this morning. The “expert” compared most QBs in the draft to solving a Rubik’s Cube. He said with most first round QBs, you think you are only one or two moves away from “solving” the cube of unlocking that QB’s potential to become a franchise QB. With Richardson, he said, you’re MULTIPLE turns away from solving his “cube.” But once he’s complete — IF he is ever complete — he conceivably could be the best player on the field in any game. His athleticism is THAT elite. At 7, Richardson should probably not be considered unless the Raiders are going “all in.” This is Vegas, though, but I still don’t see it happening. But later in the first round, after we have accumulated more capital, it may make sense. I guess it all comes down to how confident McDaniels and Zeigler are in unlocking his potential. They’ve met with this kid and can sense his motivation and work ethic. Plus, unlike when we picked Jalardass Russell, we won’t have to pay him whatever he demands because he’s an early pick.
Anyway, I would appreciate your thoughts. These are mine.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Vioraider
