NFL Draft Wishlist: Oakland Raiders

Oakland is in a good position to build their team with the #3 overall pick.  Their biggest needs are Defensive Line, Secondary and QB.  I think QB isn’t as much of an emergency situation as a team like the Jets or Cardinals being that they have capable but under performing QBs in Pryor and Palmer.  Also, Palmer is like Sanchez in that they have given too much for him and should ride it out another year.  Oakland has a coveted top 5 pick, this is who should be on their front office’s wishlist

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd participates in a defensive drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1 – Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida – Sharrif Floyd is the best looking defensive tackle in the draft.  It’s hard to go wrong with an SEC defender, who dominates high potential NFL caliber competition week in and week out.  This should be a no brainer if available.  Star Lotulelei also looks to be solid, but health concerns will add a slight liability that make him fall out of the top 5

Nov 3, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Tyler Wilson (8) looks to pass against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Tulsa 19-15. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2 – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas – Out of all of the quarterbacks in the draft this year I think Tyler Wilson may have the highest ceiling.  He was amazing his junior year and never quit during a tough senior campaign where the Arkansas program got rocked by off-field scandals.  That season may make this too big of a risk to go for in the 1^st for some teams, but this is the QB with the most fight in him and the most to fight for.  He will be a steal for whoever gets him in the 2^nd round.  But especially for a team like the Oakland Raiders who provide him with other potential starters to have to compete with in Pryor and Palmer

Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (21) tackles LSU Tigers cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (7) during a punt return during the second half of the 2012 BCS National Championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Later Round Sleeper – Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU – Before the Honey Badger, I’ve never heard of needing rehab for weed. This whole situation reminds me of the scene in Half Baked where Dave Chappelle gets an earful from Bob Saget for only being a pothead at rehab.  The important thing to look at here was his terrible decision to forgo a year of football which probably set him back considerably.  Going the Janoris Jenkins route of an FCS probably would have solidified him as a round 1 or 2 pick, especially given Jenkins immediate impact on the Rams.  If he’s really ready to come back and get back into form, he can be a steal in the 4^th round.  I think if he succeeds he has the potential to be one of the leagues best and could really fill the hole Nnamdi’s move to the Eagles created in the Oakland secondary.