Oct 5, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles (99) sacks Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Jalen Whitlow (2) in the third quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Anybody who follows me on Twitter knows that I had mixed and somewhat negative reactions to the Raiders picks in rounds two and three, primarily because there were players on the board I really loved. Look, we don’t always get what we want, but we do get what we need and after some real thinking/creative brainstorming I feel much comfortable with where the Raiders are heading. Do I still have massive reservations regarding Carr? Yes, but I am going to take my own advice and trust Reggie. Besides, he is the one getting paid not me!
With a new sense of perspective and new creative burst spurred on by gummy worms and Red Bull, I started scanning the roster and doing some schematic retooling to ponder what the Raiders may do in the following rounds. The Raiders have two picks in round four (107, 116) and three seven round picks (219, 235, 2,47) and I expect them to make a couple moves. The Jaguars, Patriots, 49ers, and Browns are all teams that make some sense for a move. Ideally the Raiders would move back with one pick in round one and add a fifth round pick or trade one pick entirely out of round four and add picks in rounds five and six, possibly seven. Either makes sense for Oakland. With that in mind, these are my favorite remaining prospects in this draft with no particular order.
DaQuan Jones, DT PSU
This guys is more of a nose tackle but could play the Red Bryant role of a big end or a run stopping tackle. If he can get a little leaner he may be able to become a decent three technique.
Caraun Reid, DT Princeton
Smart kid, both parents are pastors, violent hands, versatile, and explosive lower body.
George Uko, DT USC
The talented three tech you have never heard of.
Kelcy Quarles, DT USCar
With teams doubling and triple teaming Clowney, Quarles saw his production skyrocket due to one on one matchups and got 9.5 sacks this season.
Chris Smith, DE Arkansas
Just see all the ways they move this guy around. At 6’1 266 pounds he is ideal 4-3 defensive end size and build. He is raw needs to work on some rush moves, but is a solid run defender and has solid upside.
Jackson Jeffcoat, DE/OLB UT
This guy needs to be a defensive end in a 4-3 defense to me. He has to bulk up, but he produced 13 sacks last year in the Big 12.
Ben Gardner, DE Stan
This dude was on a tear before a torn pectoral sidelined him. He played as a 3-4 defensive end, but at 6’4 265 pounds he is a nice size for a 4-3 defensive end.
Morgan Breslin, DE USC
Here is another guy that should play a 4-3 defensive end but he needs to bulk up a little. Breslin had some very dynamic moments but injuries made him inconsistent. The Raiders did have a private meeting with him.
Trevor Reilly, DE Utah
Reilly recorded 100 tackles and 9.5 sacks last year. He has a slow but developing spin move and the frame to bulk up nicely.
Zach Moore, DE Concordia
At Concordia Moore recorded a sack a game in college. He has some grade issues as a sophomore but matured nicely. It is impossible to find tape on him, but I have heard rave reviews regarding him. At 6’2 265 pounds he is an ideal 4-3 defensive end.
Keith McGill, CB Utah
One of the better of the size/speed candidates at corner that can press and/or play some free safety.
Bashaud Breeland, CB Clem
One of several big bodied press corners. the Raiders did host him for a private workout.
Pierre Desir, CB Lindenwood
There is no hotter name among small school prospects than Desir and draftniks have gone gaga over him.
Dontae Johnson, CB NCSU
He is a great physical specimen at 6’2 205 pounds and he ran a 4.45 forty.
Jaylen Watkins, CB UF
Brother of Sammy Watkins, Jaylen has played well filling in for very talented corners at Florida. Watkins has a ton of athletic upside and maybe with some coaching can be an absolute steal.
Marcus Roberson, CB UF
This is a very talented corner that had some injury issues. i love his game although he is raw in his technique.
Louchiez Purifoy, CB UF
May as well add the third and most talented guy. With some off field issues he could drop far and be a massive steal.
Bene Benwikere, CB SJSU
Local kid that does it all. Reggie McKenzie saw his pro day personally and the Raiders quarterback coach has ties to SJSU.
Walt Aikens, Cb Liberty
After blowing up the Senior Bowl flashing some solid man coverage skills, teams got fired up viewing him as a big press man corner.
Ricardo Allen, CB/FS Purdue
For Purdue Allen was used in multiple ways and was a playmaker. He picked off six passes this season and the Raiders have interviewed him in this process.
Ed Reynolds, FS Stan
Smart and a great center fielder type safety.
Craig Loston, S LSU
Very versatile safety that was asked to do a lot. He isnt the most physically impressive player, but he can do whatever you want him to do.
Tre Boston, FS/CB UNC
Another one of these Tyrann Matheiu types that are versatile and can succeed at multiple positions. He played well at the Senior Bowl.
Ahmad Dixon, FS Baylor
This is the complete package at free safety.
Sean Parker, FS UW
A draftnik special. I have spoken to many draftniks who view this guy as a very talented sleeper.
Hakeem Smith, FS UL
This is the Louisville safety you have never heard of which is a shame because he has talent. Sadly there is not a lot of tape on him, but as a late round project I love him.
Jared Abbredaris, WR Wisconsin
The only receiver in this draft that runs better routes is Sammy Watkins. Look, the Broncos took Roby, we need Abbrederis just because he single handedly destroyed him.
Brandon Coleman, WR Rutgers
Poor Mans Mike Evans.
Robert Herron, WR Wyo
Versatile speed demon that can be used in the slot or on the outside.
Cody Hoffman, WR BYU
I dont care about his forty, this dude is a monster and runs faster in pads. ^’3 230 pounds.
Matt Hazel, WR CCU
Sharp route runner with solid production at a small school who really showed talent at the East-West Shrine Game.
Jeff Janis, WR Saginaw State
Small school size/speed freak. Sorry no videos, but he has huge production, stands 6’3, weighs 215 pounds, and ran a 4.40 forty.
Devin Street, Wr Pitt
This guy made Tom Savage.
Kevin Norwood, WR Bama
You don’t think downfield threats with Alabama, but this guy has a nice combo of speed and length to be a threat downfield.
Ryan Grant, WR Tulane
This guy was a catch machine for Tulane.
Chandler Jones, WR SJSU
Another local guy with some serious downfield speed.