Just Blog Baby 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Post Combine Round One

Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Jake Matthews (75) on the bench against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter in the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

#5 Oakland Raiders: Jake Matthews, OT TAMU

Rory’s Take: After a recent conversation with an ex-scout I believe my past statements regarding Menelik Watson playing guard could happen. He has the size, strength, skills, and feet to be a nice pulling guard that can also get out front in the screen game. Mathews started off as a right tackle with Joeckel at left tackle which makes his selection over Robinson a natural choice. Most likely I think the Raiders trade down.

Chase’s Take: Many want the Raiders to build at the trenches with a pass rusher as Khalil Mack is becoming more and more of the fan’s favorite pick on the board at the #5 spot for Oakland even over Clowney, but what shouldn’t be ruled out is building the offensive line first. If Reggie McKenzie thinks he can get a better pass rusher in the early second round it is entirely possible that RM takes a tackle with his first pick and waits on the second round to grab one of the mid-level pass rushers in a deep pass rushing draft. Free agency will answer more of these questions, but don’t rule out this as a possibility.

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