Oakland Raiders: 7-Round 2019 mock draft lands stud prospects

Round 1, Pick 27 (via Cowboys): Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

While a case could be made that the Raiders could use another first-round caliber defensive piece, it would be irresponsible as the person drafting for them to neglect an offense that has a severe lack of weapons at the disposal of Derek Carr, especially young weapons that aren’t damaged goods at this point. This is obviously evident as it pertains to the Oakland wide receiver corps.

From Jordy Nelson to Martavis Bryant to Brandon LaFell to Marcell Ateman, this is a group that offers very little cause for optimism moving forward. These guys are either old, all-upside, no-upside or mediocre players. That’s not a good look for Gruden’s offense and, despite the issues that Carr has shown, it’s also not exactly setting the former second-round pick at quarterback up for success moving forward.

Having said that, the Raiders also need to get a tight end for the future. Gruden showed in his first season how often he uses that position in the passing game as Jared Cook quietly had a monster year for Oakland. However, the veteran is heading into unrestricted free agency and the Raiders would be better off looking at youth as opposed to bringing back the veteran. That’s where Noah Fant out of Iowa comes in.

Fant is the top tight end prospect in this class and for good reason. While he’s not powerful up front, he’s an immediate impact player in the passing game with his physical tools/athleticism, route-running and ability to make plays with speed once he catches the ball. His presence could open up the offense and give Carr a safety valve to use right away.