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Oakland Raiders: Unlikely ideal draft prospects at No. 10?

By Maurice Moton

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Saquon Barkley 

Let’s take a look at second place. In the eyes of many, Barkley ranks as the best overall prospect. He’s been described as a potential transcendent talent.

Barkley comes into the league as an elite receiver out of the backfield. He posted gaudy collegiate numbers over the past two seasons and impressed team officials at the NFL Scouting Combine ensure his spot within the top 10 picks.

The Raiders have a crowded backfield, but there’s always room for a unique talent, especially when the top two ball-carriers come off the books next offseason. Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin each have a year left on their deals. At this point, no one considers DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard as feature tailbacks. Elijah Hood has been buried on the depth chart.

Barkley would easily lead the Raiders backfield into the future for the next five years, which includes the fifth-year option. Behind an A-plus offensive line, assuming Tom Cable doesn’t run it into the ground, the Penn State product would probably put up huge numbers.

Unless the Buccaneers fall asleep in the draft room, the Raiders will likely miss out on the top running back in the class.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft Barkley at No. 7 

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