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Oakland Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft

By Nick Hjeltness

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Round 1

Sep 6, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Chris Jones (96) attempts to tackle UAB Blazers quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe (16) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Chris Jones (96) attempts to tackle UAB Blazers quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe (16) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 14th overall selection, my hope was to land one of Ezekiel Elliott, Vernon Hargreaves, Sheldon Rankins, Shaq Lawson, or Chris Jones.

Hargreaves went 6th to Baltimore, Zeke went 8th to Philadelphia, Rankins went 10th to NYG, and Lawson went 13th to Miami.

The Pick: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

With the other four players off the board, this selection was as simple as taking the best player on the board. Personally, I have Jones graded just above Rankins and Lawson, so I’d be thrilled with this pick.

Jones is a 6’6″ 310 lb. versatile defensive lineman that can contribute both as a pass rusher and in run support. He’s a great athlete, especially for his size, and has an explosive first-step. He’d give Ken Norton Jr. another chess piece to move around the defensive front.

Other players considered: Robert Nkemdiche, Laquon Treadwell, Taylor Decker, William Jackson III, Mackensie Alexander.

Even though Oakland is picking 14th overall, there are plenty of quality players worthy of a selection at this spot. Any of the other players considered could have an immediate impact on this team, but the pick just came down to selecting the best player on the board.

Nkemdiche was strongly considered, but the off-field concern was enough to pass on at this spot, at least with Jones still available.

Next: Raiders Mock Draft: Round 2

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