The Oakland Raiders must draft the best player available regardless of any mock drafts, team needs or draft values.
The NFL draft is rapidly approaching. Take a look at all the Oakland Raiders picks in mock drafts.
Mock drafts across the web forecast different situations. There remains no consensus for the Raiders No. 14 pick.
Usually the Raiders are an unpredictable pick because they have so many needs across the roster. This season is different, as the Raiders addressed key needs with marquee free agents. They also developed young talent during their 7-9 season.
Hence, the Raiders have earned the luxury of getting to select the best player available in April’s draft.
It may seem obvious that the Raiders will select the best player in the draft. Most teams usually try to pick the player highest on their board.
However, teams do not evaluate in a vacuum. Context like scheme-fit, team needs and character concerns usually factor into the equation.
Oakland needs to forget all of that. They must simply draft the player who is ready to compete for a starting position today. The Raiders upward trend gives them an ability to roll the dice with the 14th pick.
The Raiders must add the most talented player remaining at 14, regardless of position or scheme-fit. Frankly, the Raiders need to draft whichever player they want.
Forget the players on the roster
Draft Ezekiel Elliott or Derrick Henry, if either can become the next great feature back. Select Sheldon Rankins or one of the dominating three-techniques, if you think they elevate the front seven.
Take Laquon Treadwell or Corey Coleman, if they add another element to the receiving corps. Draft Mackensie Alexander, Eli Apple or Arthur Burns if they upgrade either corner position.
Water at the mouth if an elite prospect like Jalen Ramsey, Ronnie Stanley, Vernon Hargreaves or Myles Jack magically falls out of the top ten. Do not think twice about selecting any of those guys.
Even though those are not positions of great need, the team will improve with young depth pushing the starters. Do not be afraid to build on a roster strength.
Trade the pick
Trade it or keep it. Whatever it takes to get the best player for the Raiders.
The Raiders traded back in the draft in 2013 and winded up with their guy D.J. Hayden. The franchise should not be afraid to do the same this year.
If they can get their guy a little bit back then go for it.
More importantly, the Raiders should move up for the player they really want. Either way, the Raiders are in a position where they do not need to force their hand.
Fill the need if you must
Oakland might be higher on a player at a position of need. It is okay to reach for a player you believe is a perfect fit in your system.
Rather it is Darian Thompson, Su’a Cravens or another safety. Don’t listen to what others say is their draft value. Those guys might have more value for the Raiders, because they fit the scheme well.
The same goes for Reggie Ragland, Darron Lee, Deion Jones or Leonard Floyd. Draft the best linebacker, even if others say it is a reach. It is okay for the Raiders regime to think differently when addressing a position of need.
Don’t worry about players with concerns
Don’t worry about Robert Nkemdiche or Noah Spence getting in trouble off-the-field. The Raiders finally have a culture strong enough to keep those talented players in line.
Draft them if you believe their potential outweighs their concerns.
Just Win Baby!
Raiders owner Mark Davis is desperate for a new stadium, and that means he is desperate for a playoff contender. The Raiders seem like realistic candidates for the playoffs already, but a great first round NFL draft selection would cement that.
I am not saying the Raiders should waste a draft pick. Rather, I am saying the Raiders should swing for the fences in the first round.
Oakland can afford to gamble with their first draft selection more than in previous years. Added competition on the roster gives the Raiders unprecedented freedom at selecting who they want.
In the past two seasons, the Raiders have done a great job at letting the draft come to them. Expect them do that again this year.
Of course the franchise will still conduct their due diligence, but Oakland should take a chance on the best player available.
Here are some more Raiders NFL Draft strategies to read.
We will all find out the pick April 28.