Oakland Raiders: Post-Combine 7-Round 2019 mock draft

In this simulation, the Raiders didn’t have a shot at Nick Bosa or Josh Allen, which left the only other elite defensive prospect in this class, Quinnen Williams.

The pick doesn’t disrespect defensive tackles P.J. Hall or Maurice Hurst, who will also line up between the defensive ends next season. Williams adds on to what could become the best interior group in a couple of years.

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Don’t fall for the trap of passing up on a special player because he doesn’t play at a position of the strongest need. Oakland is a 4-12 football team, which means the front office should stockpile as many top-notch prospects as possible.

What’s the criticism of Williams? He’s only started one full year at Alabama before going pro. Well, ask anyone how difficult it is to crack Nick Saban’s starting lineup as a 20-year old sophomore and completely take over football games from the inside. It doesn’t happen often. In fact, that’s a rare feat.

Williams can play all three downs in the NFL. He recorded 19.5 tackles for a loss and eight sacks last term. The Birmingham native will help strengthen the Raiders’ 30th-ranked run defense and add juice to a non-existent pass rush.

Many will have the inclination to reach for a defensive end at No. 4 because the player at the position is usually considered the top pass-rusher on the front line. Let’s leave that train of thought in the past.

During the combine, general manager Mike Mayock shared his thoughts on interior pass-rushers, how they affect the quarterback and the position’s importance compared to edge-rushers, per Raiders.com:

"Over the years, I’ve talked to almost every top quarterback in the NFL, and I’ve asked them all the same question. ‘What bothers you the most?’ And almost every top-flight quarterback says immediate pressure up the middle…there’s more emphasis on inside guys. So, it’s at least as equal to the outside guys."

Take a look at interior pocket-wreckers such as Aaron Donald, Chris Jones and DeForest Buckner last year. The defender who leads the pass-rushing charge may shoot up the A- or B-gaps for a double-digit sack season.

Based on his tape, Williams is that type of player. The attention paid to him could also open lanes for the perimeter pass-rushers.