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

We’re not going to leave any excuses for Carr not to produce in 2019. Assuming he’s the starting quarterback in September, everyone will find out what the 27-year old can do with high-end assets in the passing game.

Tight end Jared Cook will test the free-agent market. Coming off a Pro Bowl season, it’s not a guarantee the 31-year old returns to Oakland. As a pass-catcher, Noah Fant has the ability to provide instant impact as a rookie. He’s essentially a big-body, athletic receiver who’s a potential matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.

Over the last two years, Noah recorded 18 touchdown receptions. He ran the fastest 40-yard time among the tight ends at the combine (4.5 seconds) and caught the ball with ease during the position drills. The Iowa product isn’t going to mow over defenders as a blocker, but he’s certainly capable of going over the top in the seam and outside the numbers.

In Gruden’s offense, Carr and Cook formed a strong rapport. The Pro Bowl tight end lists at 6-5, 254 pounds. Noah measured 6-4, 249 pounds at the combine. The Raiders would have a possible red-zone target with major upside ready to fill big shoes at the position.

A Brown-Fant combination provides Carr with a potential one-two punch that could stress defenses all over the field. It’s back-to-back choices for the offense, but last year’s final four teams listed Nos. 1-4 in scoring. The Raiders ranked 28th in that category in 2018.

Oakland can’t go into the upcoming campaign with soon-to-be 34-year old Jordy Nelson as its top pass-catcher on the perimeter. If that’s the case, many would say Carr didn’t have enough weapons. No excuses here.