Oakland Raiders 2014 NFL Draft Wrap-up

Nov 9, 2013; Ruston, LA, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens (14) is sacked by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive tackle Justin Ellis (70) during the first quarter at Joe Aillet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Additions

OLB Khalil Mack, University of Buffalo
In his senior season for the Bulls, Mack has shown to be one of the nation’s top prospects with his unbelievably strength and unrelenting ability to get to the quarterback. With 10.5 sacks, 100 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles this season, Mack was easily voted the Mid-American Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. As well in Mack’s outstanding senior season 2 of his 3 interceptions were returned for touchdowns, which were tied for 2nd in the country. What has been great about Khalil Mack has been his overall consistency and development throughout his career at UB. Since Mack’s freshman year at Buffalo, he has averaged an FBS-record 18.75 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles per season. Even playing for a program such as that of the MAC’s Buffalo Bulls, Mack has been able to show phenomenal progress and standout potential as a LB. Since Mack’s freshman year at Buffalo, he has averaged an amazing, FBS-record 18.75 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles per season. In total, Mack was able to record 74 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks, 327 total tackles (including 100 in his senior season), 21 passes defended (including four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns), 16 fumbles forced and even 31 career QB hurries.  Where Mack fits into this defense will be in his ability to rush the QB and ability to stop the run. Mack has been known for his brute strength and size (6’3″, 250 lbs.) and should give this 4-3 defense some added and needed run-stopping ability. He is not the biggest force in this draft when compared to Clowney, but his ability on the field is unmatched by anybody. You can see his speed right off the snap as he gets a great release off the line and is able to locate the ball carrier quickly and effectively. As well, with a wide array of moves, Mack has no trouble getting to the QB or a RB in the backfield. Mack’s strength is perhaps underrated as he is often very physical with opposing ball carriers, helping to jar the ball loose on occasion. This off-season the Raiders have already bulked up their defense with the additions of some defensive ends and corners and even former Steelers’ LB Lamar Woodley. I believe that Mack should definitely see starting time right off the bat, perhaps replacing Sio Moore at the strong side linebacker position.  

DT Justin Ellis, Louisiana Tech
One thing about the DT out of Louisiana Tech; he is huge. Last season the Raiders ranked 13th when stopping the run, allowing 107.9 yards per game to opposing backs last season. With Ellis, his senior season was by far his most dominant. In 2013 for the Bulldogs, Ellis was able to record 48 total tackles (15 solo tackles), 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 2 QB hurries. In the curious case of the Oakland Raiders, Ellis could most likely help out at left defensive tackle for Pat Sims. Whatever the case may be, the Raiders are sure getting a big force in the middle. Hopefully they can find a jersey big enough.

CB Keith McGill, University of Utah, CB T.J. Carrie, University of Ohio, and CB Jonathan Dowling, Western Kentucky University
Reason that I combined all of these corner backs together is to honestly show how smart as well as how dumb the Raiders were in selecting so many corners. Last season, the Raiders had the 5th-worst passing game in the NFL. In 2013, the Raiders allowed opposing offenses to go score a preposterous 33 passing touchdowns and throw for 255.8 yards per game ( ranked 5th-worst in the NFL) as the Raiders entire defense only intercepted 9 passes from opposing QBs (2nd-worst). In 2013, the Raiders were one of many teams who had some trouble with injuries and such and are looking to avenge their misfortunes through the 2014 NFL Draft. With that considered, the Raiders did in fact fill the need for some new corner backs with Brown and Rogers from San Francisco. I guess what I have trouble understanding is the need for not one, not two, but three corners to be selected. The Raiders needed safety help more than they necessarily needed corner help. Charles Woodson is one of the oldest safeties in the NFL, perhaps this draft should have been the time to cut their losses and get another safety.

DE Shelby Harris, Illinois State University
With an already stacked defensive line, Harris adds some good depth at the defensive end position. At Illinois State, Harris was able to record 14 sacks in 33 career games. However, what many don’t know is some of Harris’s off-the-field concerns that could give the Raiders some grief going into next season.