Just Blog Baby 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Round One

Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Derek Carr of Fresno State (4) drops back to pass against the North squad during the first quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

#5 Oakland Raiders: Derek Carr, QB Fresno

Rory’s Take: Let us now assume the Raiders take a different approach to the offseason than we have been using and instead look to focus solely on defense in free agency and then add to the offense in the draft. With that in mind and the fact that Carr was the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl he is in a spot to go very early even if his tape is questionable. From what I have heard, he is a coach’s dream, he was up at six every morning during the Senior Bowl with Jordan Mathews and Mike Davis doing extra film study and every day after practice he stayed late with the coaches. The Raiders have been digging around Carr’s background and scouted him in person. Again, his tape this year is disappointing in some ways, but he did play in a pro-style offense for three years making all the line calls and audibles. He will also impress in interviews and on the board when diagnosing plays. I am sure we will discuss all this heavily on the January 31 podcast.

Chase’s Take: Raiders insider Vic Tafur went on Bleacher Report earlier this week and said that Teddy Bridgewater is likely the only QB the Raiders would take at #5, but don’t rule out Carr just yet. Reggie McKenzie has been sniffing around Carr and his background all year and he could still be working out a trade down situation or trying to throw teams off the scent. Another new intriguing option is Jake Matthews, the left tackle from Texas A&M who could be a replacement should Jared Veldheer demand too much money for his upcoming new deal.