Oakland Raiders, Week 14: 2018 NFL Mock Draft
By John Buhler
The Raiders’ biggest needs heading into the NFL Draft are in the defensive front-seven. While the Raiders are solid out on the edge, they could use a big guy wreaking havoc in the trenches along the defensive line, as well as a stout inside linebacker to rock the green dot in this defense.
One player that could be a good find for the Raiders at No. 16 would be Clemson Tigers junior defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Wilkins could be used in several techniques along the Raiders’ defensive line. He has been a highly productive player for the best team in the ACC the last three seasons.
In 39 career games, Wilkins has 133 total tackles (62 solo, 71 assists), 26.5 tackles for a loss of yardage, 10.5 quarterback sacks, 13 passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Wilkins has shown at Clemson that he can be a productive defensive line player every time he is on the field. His versatility could be key to his success at the NFL level.
Do keep in mind that Wilkins is only a junior. Though he has one more year of eligibility, he may opt to go pro after making the College Football Playoff for the third year in a row. Wilkins and the Tigers are the No. 1 seed in the four-team playoff this year. They will play the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide for the third straight postseason, this time in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.