Oakland Raiders: What To Do in Rounds 1 and 2 of the Draft?
By Jim Vickers
If the Oakland Raiders stand pat with the 14th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, general manager Reggie McKenzie may have to take players some consider a reach.
Given the uncertainty of who will be available in the middle of the first round, a “Big Name” might not be on the board when the Raiders select.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. already has new free agent toys thanks to McKenzie. However, the coach may still be concerned about the defensive line. With defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. suffering a neck injury last season and Benson Mayowa leaving for Dallas, a need for either a starter or depth exists.
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Defensive line possibilities include Louisville’s Sheldon Rankins (who might not be available at 14) as well as Ole Miss’ Robert Nkemdiche. The latter apparently has some issues as documented by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Raiders don’t appear willing to take on problem cases as they rebuild a winning organization. To say the least, it’s not a move McKenzie would probably make.
As for other options, defensive lineman Kevin Dodd was a dominant force for Clemson in the 2015 national championship game against Alabama. He recorded seven solo tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks. Though he didn’t get much on-field experience until last season, Dodd was tied for fifth in the nation with 12.5 sacks, and added 24 tackles for loss during his 2015 campaign.
At 6’5″ and 277 pounds while running a 4.86, 40-yard dash, Dodd has the physical skill set of an NFL defensive end. Most importantly. this guy leaves it all on the field. Clemson teammate Shaq Lawson was tied for second in the nation in sacks with 13 and shined during the national championship game, recording a pair of sacks and two tackles for loss. Lawson is somewhat undersized for a NFL end at 6-2, 270, but reasonably quick, posting a 4.7, 40-yard dash.
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In his latest mock draft, Rob Rang of CBSSports.com has Lawson headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the ninth overall pick – meaning he would be gone by the time the Raiders select. The NFL is a pass-first league, so loading up with quarterback thumpers can only help win games.
What about shoring up the secondary with a top tier safety? Frankly, after FSU’s Jalen Ramsey comes off the board, the remainder of the safety class lacks NFL measurables. Florida’s Keanu Neal lacks speed, posting only a 4.62, 40-yard dash. That’s not even a fast NFL linebacker time any more. Of course, McKenzie may have another option in free agency.
West Virginia’s Karl Joseph is both short, 5’9″ and on the slow side, 4.58. The heralded Von Bell from Ohio State runs at NFL defensive lineman speed, 4.66. Oakland should either move up or draft a future backup safety in the third or fourth round. Needless to say, McKenzie probably won’t do the “Safety Dance” here.
So what position makes sense in the second round and why? Running back Derrick Henry led the nation with 2,219 yards, averaged 5.6 yards per carry, scored 28 touchdowns, won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at Alabama last season. He’s 6’2″ and 247 pounds and runs a 4.54, 40-yard dash. The guy’s a runaway freight train in cleats.
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Putting Henry behind Oakland’s behemoth offensive line would be a smart move. The combo of Latavius Murray and Henry may make Oakland truly great at running the ball and possibly define them as a “bully” offense.
As we know, a strong running game and formidable defense can go a long way in this league.