Oakland Raiders: 3 Surprise options for the No. 4 overall pick
TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
At this point, the average reader may have looked through hundreds of mock drafts. Many projections slotted tight end Noah Fant to the Raiders at No. 24 or 27. It’s a logical selection after Jared Cook‘s departure; he signed with the New Orleans Saints during free agency.
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Mayock and Gruden may show more urgency to fill Cook’s role. He provided consistency in the passing attack and led the Raiders in yards (896) and touchdowns (six) last year. In an attempt to build around Carr, why not add a player who can step into the veteran tight end’s role and give a little extra as a blocker on the perimeter?
Most draft analysts would agree T.J. Hockenson is a complete tight end and the best prospect at his position. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Travis Kelce, who’s a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro—that’s the type of player a front office wants at No. 4 regardless of position.
Oakland added an elite wide receiver in Antonio Brown on the perimeter via trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He and Hockenson would serve as a dynamic one-two punch in a revamped aerial attack. The decision to take the Iowa tight end with the fourth overall pick also places a brighter spotlight on Carr, another subtle nudge that indicates he must deliver with upgraded talent around him.
Although this selection would come off as a shocker, it’s plausible because of the need for a starter at the position and Hockenson’s upside in a pass-catching role.