Oakland Raiders: 5 Early targets for the 2019 NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders are in a hole to start Jon Gruden’s tenure, but with two first-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, they can start to climb out.

The Oakland Raiders had a rough first quarter of the 2018 NFL season. Their 1-3 record wasn’t what Jon Gruden or the Raiders envisioned for his return to the team. In truth, there are many fans and potentially those within the organization already looking ahead to the 2019 NFL Draft.

Although the Raiders have gotten off to a rocky start, they still have some solid pieces, specifically as it pertains to the most important position on a team with quarterback Derek Carr.

However, Jordy Nelson is getting older and Martavis Bryant is playing on a one-year deal (and is one misstep away from being banned). Thus, the Raiders could upgrade the wide receiver position in the NFL Draft. On the other side of ball, the Raiders need help at edge rusher.

Luckily, the Raiders have a couple of first-round picks at their disposal so they can plug two holes early on. Early in the process, here are five players they could target to fill those holes.

Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

If the Raiders want a player who can do similar things as Mack as it pertains to rushing the passer and dropping into coverage, Josh Allen out of Kentucky can be the guy.

The first thing that jumps off the screen is his size at 6-5, 260 pounds. In Kentucky’s defense he’s part of a tandem known as the “Blitz Brothers.” Allen lines up close to the line of scrimmage and primarily rushes off the edge. He does a great job making plays in the backfield thanks to his ability to fight off blocks. He scrapes down the line and tracks the call carrier really well.

That void the Raiders are missing can be filled by Allen. who isn’t the athlete Mack is, but can be used as a utility player. Allen isn’t a player the Raiders would draft with their top pick. However, they should have him on their draft board with that Bears pick they received for Mack.