Oakland Raiders: Final rankings of team needs before 2018 NFL Draft

We’re days away from the 2018 NFL Draft, it’s time to take one final look at the Oakland Raiders roster needs. What’s the biggest void on the depth chart?

During the rookie selection process, it’s not as easy as leaning on BPA also known as the best-player-available approach. Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie often says the draft board talks to him. Before that concept comes into play, decision-makers must consider the complexion of the roster.

Regardless of what you hear, position needs will certainly factor into decisions made between Thursday and Saturday. When eyeing two rookies with comparable projected talent, player A may fill a huge void on defense while player B would join the roster as a luxury at a deep spot on the depth chart. The intricacies absolutely matter.

For now, the Raiders possess 11 draft picks with the first at No. 10. You’ll hear all sorts of whispers, rumors and smokescreens about how a team will approach a specific pick. However, there’s no confusion on roster strengths and weaknesses.

Last year, McKenzie allowed his board to do the talking and selected cornerback Gareon Conley, who didn’t fill the biggest need, in the first round.

However, a year later, it’s position that needs him healthy and on the field. With an early spot and a little more certainty on who may be available, who’s the pick at No. 10?

Whether Oakland trades up or back, what positions should the team address early in the draft? Here’s a list and ranking of the team’s top needs.