Oakland Raiders: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft to start April

During free agency, the Raiders signed run-stopping defensive end Josh Mauro as the only addition at the position. As a result, it’s mandatory Mayock and Gruden add multiple pass-rushers from this class, even if they decide to acquire a veteran talent after the draft.

Here’s the one holdover from the first mock selection set. At 6-4, 275 pounds, Joe Jackson’s body type translates to the prototypical strong-side defensive end within a four-man front. He uses power and his 34 1/8-inch arms to break through the pocket.

The Miami product is effective on all three downs whether he’s going downhill to chase down the quarterback or set the edge against the run. The chiseled defensive end will grab and bring down ball-carriers on outside zone runs and ease the linebackers’ jobs with stops at or behind the line of scrimmage. Jackson recorded 22.5 sacks and 35.5 tackles for a loss in three seasons.

As mentioned above, Allen would line up on the weak side with Key as a designated pass-rusher. Jackson could slide into the starting lineup opposite the No. 4 overall pick. He can also move inside when the Raiders utilize a three-man front in the nickel sub-package.

Even though he’s a fourth-round pick, the former Hurricane would have a clear opportunity to play a major role right out of the college for a defense that desperately needs pocket pressure. Because his body type checks the box at defensive end, Guenther could have a productive middle-round pick who grabs headlines during his rookie year.