Oakland Raiders Mock Draft, Part 1: Rounds 7-4

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7, Pick 221 Overall

Selection: Nick Marshall, CB/QB, Auburn

The Raiders, by virtue of being 3-13 last season, pick near the top of every round, and thus their last pick is a full 35 selections before the end of the draft. While 7th round draft selections are generally unheard of and forgettable, the Raiders have added some solid talent in this round in recent years, like cornerback TJ Carrie and wideout Brice Butler. Nick Marshall, a read-option QB at Auburn who is attempting to make the transition to NFL cornerback, could be the next 7th round steal for the Raiders.

Live Feed

Fly War Eagle

Marshall might be the most high-profile 7th round pick in the draft, and indeed could be selected higher than this round, but there’s a strong chance he falls to the Raiders because he hasn’t played an in-game defensive back snap outside of the Senior Bowl in over three years. Marshall runs a fast enough 4.54 in the 40 with great hips and change-of-direction abilities but is incredibly raw. That said, at the Scouting Combine in February, the Raiders sat down with him and asked him if he’d be willing to come in as both a cornerback and a 3rd-string emergency quarterback, meaning the Raiders can effectively fill two roster spots with him. The Raiders have also worked out or talked with two other middle-to-late round QB prospects, perhaps signalling that Matt McGloin’s spot on the Raider roster is uncertain. Marshall’s experience as a running QB may also make him a candidate for a look as a kick returner, giving him 3-spot value late.

Next: 2015 JBB Mock Draft: Round 6, Josh Harper