The 2017 NFL draft is two weeks away, and a lot is still up in the air for the Oakland Raiders. It’s unclear whether Marshawn Lynch plans to remain retired or become a Raider, and linebacker Perry Riley Jr. is still a free agent. With two weeks until the event, what are the biggest draft needs for the Oakland Raiders?
The Oakland Raiders Biggest Draft Needs
Inside Linebacker
This is Oakland’s biggest need. A lot of experts have mocked a corner to the Raiders in the first round, but that just doesn’t make sense. Firstly, this is a really deep draft for defensive backs. If the Raiders want to bolster the secondary, they can find quality prospects in the second, third, and even fourth round. Secondly, the Raiders are doomed if they don’t address the inside linebacker position. If the season started tomorrow, Oakland’s choices at inside linebacker would be Ben Heeney and Cory James.
Fortunately for Oakland, this draft features several talented linebacker prospects. Reuben Foster, Zach Cunningham, Jarrad Davis, and Raekwon McMillan are all talented prospects, and the Raiders should still have a good pick of the litter at number 24 overall. It would help the Raiders a lot to re-sign Perry Riley Jr., but they might be waiting to see the draft fallout first.
Tailback
This is a positional need that could change any day now. Many assume that Marshawn Lynch will be Oakland’s feature back when the season starts, but with Las Vegas and airport drama, that might not happen. Fortunately for Oakland, this is a fantastic running back draft, and a couple of big names remain in free agency.
This is a deep tailback draft. It’s a safe bet that the likes of Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey will be gone by the 24th pick, but the Raiders won’t need to rush to draft a back. In the second round or later, the Raiders could grab a back like D’Onta Foreman, Joe Mixon, or Marlon Mack. The Raiders could certainly draft a back that would make an immediate impact in the mid-rounds.
And even if they decided to pass on drafting a back, the likes of Adrian Peterson and Legarrette Blount are still free agents as well. Of course, this is all just assuming that things fall apart with Marshawn Lynch. And frankly, the Raiders could just decide to see what they have in DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.
Free Safety
This is a peculiar need for the Oakland Raiders. Reggie Nelson was a polarizing figure in 2016. Despite being a Pro Bowl safety, many believe his inconsistent coverage played a big part in Oakland’s defensive struggles last year. It’s not hard to find examples of Nelson struggling, just go back and watch any play where the Raiders were burned deep. If there’s a receiver streaking down the field, there’s a good chance Reggie Nelson is in the area.
Fortunately, this is a strong draft for defensive backs. Some people believe the Raiders are a perfect landing spot for Jabrill Peppers, but there’s another safety that fits the role much better. Obi Melifonwu stole the show after his freak combine, and with Joseph, could form the NFL’s most fearsome safety duo.
Offensive Tackle
Offensive tackle is a funny need for the Oakland Raiders. They have one of the best offensive lines in football, but the right tackle position is still wide open. Menelik Watson is a Denver Bronco now, and Austin Howard was abysmal at points last season. It’s rumored that Denver Kirkland, Vadal Alexander, and the recently signed Marshall Newhouse will fight for the spot.
But what about the left tackle position? Donald Penn is a fantastic tackle, but he’s not getting any younger. He’ll be 34 when the season starts, and the Oakland Raiders will need to draft his replacement eventually. This isn’t a strong draft class, but there are a few prospects in the later rounds. The Oakland Raiders should consider taking a shot late on a player like Justin Senior.
Nickle Corner
The Oakland secondary is a strange thing. The secondary is considered one of the worst in football, but it’s littered with talented players. David Amerson has played well in spots, Karl Joseph oozes potential, and Sean Smith isn’t anywhere near as bad as people think he is. Injuries and playing out of position hurt Oakland’s secondary last season, but the fact remains that the Raiders need a corner to replace D.J. Hayden.
The Oakland Raiders will have plenty of chances to draft a corner. Kevin King has been a trendy pick for the Raiders, but they could get a quality nickle corner like Jourdan Lewis in the third or fourth round if they needed to. If Reggie McKenzie thinks corner is a need, he’ll definitely find one in this class.
