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Oakland Raiders: Potential Draft Strategies

By Rory Anderson

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue (7) strips the ball from Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) during the first quarter at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue (7) strips the ball from Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) during the first quarter at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Weaknesses

The lack of elite talent is the key weakness in this draft. The key is how it will effect teams. It will be difficult to dislodge many of the teams ahead of the Raiders via a trade up, but there may be a team or two looking to add depth rather than a franchise player. The Giants come to mind. Discussing position weaknesses, this draft has issues at the edge positions, cornerback, and wide receiver. All three positions for the Raiders were the focus of their offseason.

By adding Bruce Irvin in free agency and intimating he will be playing edge early on, and with the consistent interest in Aldon Smith, the need for edge players is relatively mitigated. To me, the best combination of value and talent in this draft is Maryland edge defender Yannick Ngakoue in round three. I could not pick out a better defender to see the Raiders add in the middle rounds.

The addition of Sean Smith was a solid addition that gives the Raiders three solid matchup based cornerbacks. Many people like to pump up this cornerback class, but outside of Jalen Ramsey, I do not view any of the top prospects as round one picks. If this were last season, I doubt either Alexander or Hargreaves is a round one selection. The depth in this group is acceptable, and for a team such as the Raiders who are looking for young developmental talents to be long term solutions, this plays into exactly their needs and they can choose a guy that fits the skill set they believe is needed.

What the Raiders did very well this offseason was set themselves up to succeed in this draft. They played the game very well so to speak. By spending their money wisely on the best young talents of positions of need that are lacking in this draft, Reggie McKenzie allows himself to remain highly flexible. So flexible, that the Raiders could reasonably trade up, trade down (multiple times?), or remain where they are and still be successful in this draft. The main issue comes down to the perception of value.

Next: Draft Preview: Draft Day Scenarios

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