Derek Carr the most likely option for Oakland Raiders?
Derek Carr of Fresno State (4). John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders did an excellent job in the first round of the draft, as they were able to pounce on Khalil Mack with the No. 5 overall pick and add him to a front seven that looks quite formidable heading into the 2014 season. They were never expected to go for a quarterback in the first round of the draft, but there’s always been plenty of speculation that the Raiders will pull a QB in the second round of the draft.
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Derek Carr seems to make plenty of sense on paper, and the “local” prospect is my No.2-ranked quarterback in this year’s draft class. Blessed with the strongest arm in the class, plenty of athleticism, and solid decision-making skills, Carr was constrained by Fresno State’s spread offense more than he was helped by it, especially since his offensive line was a farce. Carr had one great receiver in Davante Adams, but the rest of the weapons around him were overrated and only looked good because of Carr’s placement and ability to avoid sacks and interceptions.
The NFL Network’s Albert Breer recently predicted the top picks of the second round of the draft, and he has the Raiders taking Carr with the 36th overall pick. Meanwhile, the Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller reports that “a lot of signs” are pointing towards the Raiders drafting Carr in the second round. Matt Schaub is locked in as the short-term starter, but drafting Carr makes a whole lot of sense. Not only is it possible that Schaub’s awful play last year could carry into this season and beyond, but the Raiders would be wise to draft a QB like Carr and allow him to develop behind Schaub for a season or two.