2019 NFL Mock Draft: Kyler Murray climbs in Post-combine two-round projection
By Randy Gurzi
4. Oakland Raiders: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
Now on the clock, the Oakland Raiders. That sound will dominate the night when the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft takes place on Thursday, April 25. That’s because head coach Jon Gruden came in and completely gutted the roster in favor of future draft picks.
It was a bold choice and one that led to plenty of criticism. That criticism was fair, considering how well players such as Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper fared once they left Oakland and started playing for their new clubs. Having said that, the moves Oakland made were done with the long-term future in mind and they can’t worry about what players they used to have on their roster and what they’re doing. They have to absolutely nail the picks they have.
Their first chance to do that comes at No. 4 as the Raiders will choose here with their own selection. With the best pass rusher, Nick Bosa, already off the board, Oakland looks at Josh Allen here to fill what is their biggest need. As a team, the Raiders managed just 13 total sacks, with rookie defensive tackle Maurice Hurst leading the way with four.
As for Allen, he had 17 in his final season with Kentucky. That came after back-to-back seasons with seven sacks for the Wildcats. He doesn’t have the same pedigree as Bosa, but this kid can come in for the Raiders and get the job done.