Round 3
Feeling good so far about landing Chris Jones and Darian Thompson, there wasn’t any particular player I was targeting heading into the third round.
Looking at some of the team needs; RB, LB, OT and CB are some areas still needing help, so if there is someone who fits the best available player mantra that can help in any one of those spots, that would be ideal.
The Pick: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
When Thomas fell to pick 75, he was too good to pass up at this spot. WR isn’t that much of a need; Seth Roberts flashed some potential as a quality WR3, but Thomas in three-WR sets with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree would be dangerous.
Thomas is a big-bodied, super smooth WR. He’s very well balanced, a great route-runner, and has fantastic hands. He isn’t great in any particular area — rather, he is solid in just about every aspect. With Coop and Crab getting most of the attention, he could thrive in Oakland.
Other players considered: Kenneth Dixon, Paul Perkins, Braxton Miller.
Most of the top players on the board were on offense. Dixon and Perkins were intriguing, but there is still plenty of talent available at RB. Hoping to grab one in the next round or two.
As for Braxton, he’s obviously a dynamic athlete and was a tempting option, but grabbing the more polished WR seemed like the right move.
Next: Raiders Mock Draft: Round 4