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Oakland Raiders: Top targets with three first-round picks in 2019 NFL Draft

By Michael Johnson

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland Raiders tank is in full-effect as they now have three first-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, but what could they do with them?

The losses keep piling up for the Oakland Raiders and we have to call it what it is at this point: tanking. Here we are at the midway point of the 2018 season and the Raiders have eliminated themselves from relevancy, at least in terms of this year. For the future, however, it’s a different story, especially for the 2019 NFL Draft.

After their blockbuster trades in 2018, the Raiders own three first-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. Their underwhelming 2018 season puts a black mark on the Black Hole and fans are understandably frustrated. The Raiders haven’t been fun to watch, unless you’re rooting for the other team.

The team’s struggles aren’t solely the result of the players — it’s also the organization and the questionable moves they’ve made. Getting rid of talent doesn’t always mean tanking, but its hard not see it as such with the Raiders.

For example, trading away Khalil Mack raised eyebrows, but it was hardly enough to warrant the tank stigma at the time. There were some who believed that his price tag was too much and they drafted Arden Key and had Bruce Irvin as well. Moreover, when trade rumors about Gareon Conley started, it was understandable. After all, the young corner hasn’t performed to his draft billing, and Jon Gruden didn’t draft him.

However, trading Amari Cooper and allegedly seeking trade offers from Derek Carr sounds the warning bells. Carr and Conley weren’t traded, but there’s still the offseason ahead.

Nevertheless, the Raiders are loaded with 2019 NFL Draft picks. Now, they are 1-6 battling for the No. 1 overall pick. So yes, they’re relevant, but for all the wrong reasons. If the draft were held today the Raiders would draft inside the top 20 four times.

What they do with those selections is crucial for the future of the franchise. As such, we’ll look at who they should be targeting with each of those picks.

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