17. Oakland Raiders (via Bears): Noah Fant, Iowa TE
Back to back picks here for the Oakland Raiders as they own the Chicago Bears pick in the first round of not only the 2019 NFL Draft but 2020 as well. Those were obtained through the highly discussed deal that sent Khalil Mack to Chicago. The Raiders have been criticized for making this move, especially once it was learned they included a second-round pick along with Mack to the Bears.
In order to come out looking better, they have to hit on their draft picks. One pick prior, they added a pass rusher in Montez Sweat. Now they go for the top tight end in the draft by grabbing Iowa’s Noah Fant. He brings some much-needed youth to the offense.
Some may think this it’s superfluous to add a tight end given the performance of Jared Cook on Monday. The current Oakland tight end racked up a career-high 180 yards — which was a Raiders record for tight ends. Before thinking he will keep that up, just know he owns the record for most yards in a game for Rams and Titan’s tight ends as well. His issue is consistency.
At 31 years of age, he won’t suddenly find consistency. Fant has much younger legs and can offer them a great red zone target.