For the Oakland Raiders, the 2019 NFL Draft will dramatically shape the future. How will the picks pan out? Will we see a major trade?
The Oakland Raiders have locked their secrets away from outsiders and even their own leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft. Now, it’s decision day. Do head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have a surprise pick?
By now, you’ve probably skimmed through numerous mock drafts and attempted to connect the dots on the continuous rumors that overloaded the web over the last few days. Keep in mind there are a lot of smokescreens and educated guesses floating around.
Gruden and Mayock, the two voices calling the shots will finally put the anticipation to rest Thursday. Before they do, we’ll take a final look at how the Raiders could approach a full seven-round draft.
The selections below take rumors, reports, past history and roster needs into account. It’s not a reflection on what the team should do but what’s likely to transpire between Thursday and Saturday.
Most fans have focused on the three first-round picks, but it’s important for the Raiders to hit big wherever possible. They’re coming off a 4-12 campaign that provided little optimism for the future.
The decision to acquire wideout Antonio Brown certainly adds some excitement, but there are still multiple offensive holes to fill specifically at guard, tight end and running back.
The addition of safety Lamarcus Joyner and linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall won’t solve the club’s defensive woes. In 2018, Oakland allowed a franchise-worst 467 points, allowed the most yards per play (6.3 per Team Rankings) and logged a league-low 13 sacks — they need help on levels of the defense.
Let’s pull back the curtain on the final mock draft and take a look at newcomers who could have major roles in the Raiders’ future.