The latest Oakland Raiders seven-round mock draft proves anything is possible for this franchise if it makes the right moves during the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Oakland Raiders have a lot of ground to gain this offseason. The 2017 NFL Draft will provide them the perfect opportunity to put a bow on what looks like a roster ready to contend for a Super Bowl.
With 2017 NFL Free Agency about to start, it's unclear what this roster could look like in the near future. For the sake of argument, I'm going to handle this mock draft under the assumption that all of my predictions for players the Raiders will sign come true. That means Adrian Peterson, Calais Campbell, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Remmers and Marcus Cooper will be on the roster.
With a new running back, a playmaking interior pass rusher, and depth at wide receiver, right tackle and cornerback, most of the Raiders' top needs are addressed. That doesn't mean the team's work is done, though. The draft has been GM Reggie McKenzie's bread and butter, so you better believe the Silver and Black will go hard in late April.
So let's take a look at what the Raiders' eight current picks could yield when the 2017 NFL Draft is all said and done. Keep in mind that these predictions are based on current team needs and prospects' stock–these things can change at any moment.
Note: Oakland received a seventh-round pick (No. 244) from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for cornerback Dewey McDonald.
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David Njoku
Tight End, Miami (FL)
There are a number of directions the Raiders could go in with this pick. However, based on pure potential, I think a future superstar like David Njoku could fall into their laps. Even with a need at inside linebacker, the former Hurricane is too tempting to pass up.
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Put simply, Njoku is a freak athlete. Not only does he possess outstanding measurables, but he's got tremendous speed and explosiveness. Add in the fact that he's pretty good at catching footballs, and you've got a budding star at tight end. Considering the Raiders' current options are underwhelming, Njoku seems like a perfect fit at No. 24.
Clive Walford was expected to emerge as the star of the show at tight end. However, through two seasons, he's done little more than occasionally flash some starter potential. Lee Smith is the blocker of the bunch, but is coming off a broken ankle. Njoku has the talent to star on all three downs, essentially making Walford and Smith irrelevant.
The Raiders could go cornerback here, but the depth of the 2017 draft class makes waiting an option. An inside linebacker like Jarrad Davis could also be an option, but I want to see his Pro Day results before finalizing his first-round status. So they upgrade an already deadly offense with the addition of Njoku.
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Fabian Moreau
Cornerback, UCLA
The hypothetical signing of Cooper helped in the depth department. The Raiders, however, need more than just backups at cornerback, especially after average 2016 seasons from their two overpaid starters.
Fabian Moreau makes a lot of sense for Oakland. He's one of the quick risers of the 2017 draft class, showing impressive instincts in coverage and excellent athleticism. The blistering 40-yard dash time he put up during the NFL Scouting Combine certainly helped his stock.
Moreau is more than just ridiculous workout numbers, though. The former Bruins star bounced back from a lost 2015 campaign to prove himself as a capable shutdown cornerback. He's not quite the lengthy cover man coveted by NFL teams, but his 6-0, 206-pound frame is more than enough to keep receivers of all sizes in check.
With Sean Smith and David Amerson an unstable duo heading into 2017, the Raiders could use some extra starting options. Moreau has the tools to step in as a quality contributor early in his NFL career, which makes him an intriguing fit for Oakland in the later part of the second round. An inside linebacker could also be an option here.
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Anthony Walker Jr.
Inside Linebacker, Northwestern
I know some will be disappointed that I waited this long to address the inside linebacker spot. However, there's a solid chance they do so during 2017 NFL Free Agency. Even if they don't, they still have Ben Heeney, who can hold down the job until an incoming talent is ready.
In terms of incoming talent, I believe Anthony Walker Jr. would be an absolute steal in the third round. It may not seem that way, but the Northwestern product has all of the tools and smarts to develop into an exceptional starter at the next level.
Although he's often overlooked, Walker is a proven playmaker from the linebacker position. He's an underrated athlete who plays from sideline to sideline. Although he'll need to bulk up a bit at the next level, the former Wildcat has the toughness and instincts to shine as a run defender and in coverage.
Even if the Raiders do add someone during free agency, Walker would still be an outstanding addition. He could use some time to acclimate to the size and strength of the NFL, but undoubtedly has the natural talent and football IQ to earn a starting role in the near future.
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Ryan Switzer
Wide Receiver, North Carolina
I predicted the Raiders add Patterson via free agency, but they'd be wise to hedge that bet with the addition of Ryan Switzer. The North Carolina product has the makings of a sensational slot receiver who could give Oakland one of the NFL's most dynamic passing games.
Between Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Patterson (hypothetically), Njoku (also hypothetical) and Switzer, the Raiders offense would be unstoppable. Cooper and Crabtree can fill the star roles, sucking up the defense's top cornerbacks and over-the-top coverage. Patterson plays the gadget role while Njoku strikes fear down the seam.
So where does Switzer fit into that picture? Anywhere you'd like him to go, as long as he's on the field. He may not be a speedster or physically imposing receiver, but he's a dangerous weapon out of the slot who wins with impeccable route running and dependable hands. Just ask top prospect Mitchell Trubisky, who went to him time and time again in 2016.
The only reason Switzer stands a chance to fall to the fourth round is because of his lack of size and speed. However, we've seen that combination succeed in the NFL before. One look at the film will tell you that the comparisons to Wes Welker and Julian Edelman are far from stereotyping.
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James Conner
Running Back, Pitt
Even if the Raiders sign Peterson, they'll need to find a young back who can eventually take over for the aging runner. I don't believe DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard can be featured backs, but James Conner has the tools to fill that role swimmingly.
Prior to the 2015 campaign, Conner was seen as a potential first-round pick. Then a knee injury and subsequent cancer diagnosis cost him most of the season. That didn't phase him, though–Conner fought the cancer and won, making it back to the field in 2016 and picking up right where he left off.
To ensure teams he's still healthy, Conner gave all 32 clubs proof of his clean bill with a disc containing his most recent scans (via NFL.com). There will still be concerns from interested parties, but it's clear he's ready to play–and the upside the Pitt product possesses is absurd.
In 2014, he racked up 1,765 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground as one of the nation's best backs. While his 2016 production wasn't as impressive, there's no denying he's made remarkable progress after battling cancer and living to tell the tale. He's an inspiration, and he'd make an outstanding addition to the Oakland backfield.
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Jeremiah Ledbetter
Defensive Tackle, Arkansas
The hypothetical addition of Campbell would absolutely fix the Raiders' issues along the interior. He's a force to be reckoned with on any given down, evidenced by the fact that Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 2 interior defender of 2016.
Unfortunately, he's not getting any younger. At 30 years of age, Campbell may only have a few good years left in him. If that's the case, the Raiders will need a couple of young developmental talents with the potential to take his place when the time comes. Jeremiah Ledbetter can be that guy.
The former Razorback has the makings of an exceptional three-technique. Not only is he a tremendous athlete with a 4.84-second 40 time, but he's got the pass-rushing chops to make an impact from the inside. More time is needed before he's ready to see significant snaps, but the potential is there for him to pay huge dividends for a sixth-round pick.
Some may argue that Jihad Ward should fill that role, but he was a mess as a rookie—I thought he was a huge reach in the second round to begin with. With Stacy McGee likely leaving via free agency, more capable interior rushers are needed behind Campbell. Ledbetter absolutely fits the bill, especially at No. 208 overall.
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Fish Smithson
Free Safety, Kansas
Realistically, Reggie Nelson isn't going to last forever. He's an above-average starter at free safety, but the Raiders are going to need a replacement in the near future. The potential departures of Nate Allen and Brynden Trawick aren't going to help.
While a seventh-round pick isn't exactly a solve-all in terms of adding depth, Fish Smithson possesses more upside than your normal Day 3 selection. The Kansas product was considered a early-round talent early in the 2016 season, but appears to have lost some of the hype that he was building last year.
Despite playing for a pitiful Jayhawks team, Smithson has earned the attention of NFL scouts with his production and effectiveness. Over the last two seasons, he's tallied 204 tackles, six interceptions, 10 passes defended and three forced fumbles. Smithson was one of Kansas' stars this past season, helping their defense from being completely embarrassed on a weekly basis.
Is Smithson a star in the making? Probably not. However, he does possess the playmaking abilities and tenacity to prove himself valuable in the NFL. If the Raiders are looking for a high-upside prospect at this point in the draft, the former Jayhawk seems like a solid gamble.
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Levon Myers
Offensive Tackle, Northern Illinois
As I predicted, the Raiders should address their offensive line issues during free agency. The mix of Austin Howard and Mike Remmers can get the job done on the right side, but the loss of Menelik Watson will cause some depth issues. It's not like Denver Kirkland can be relied on at this point.
Hence, the selection of Levon Myers here. It's clear he's got limited upside as a starter, but his college film shows a tough, relentless blocker with the potential to develop into a capable backup who can fill a number of roles.
Myers played left tackle for the Huskies, but appears primed to make a move to either right tackle or the interior. His lack of athleticism and lateral quickness is concerning, but he has the power and motor to make an impact in the running game. Given some time and coaching, he could even develop into a jack-of-all-trades along the front five.
As a seventh-round pick, Myers would come in with limited expectations and plenty of progress to be made. However, in due time, the Raiders could find themselves with a decent backup right tackle/guard if they stay patient. That's really all you can hope for with the No. 244 overall pick in a class devoid of top offensive line talent.
