2018 Raiders NFL Draft: Ten value picks in Round 3 and after

Other Prospects

Jamarco Jones – Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Offensive tackle is an area the Raiders need to continue to invest in as Donald Penn begins to hit the end of the road. Last year’s 4th round pick David Sharpe appears to be a work in progress still so Jamarco Jones could be an answer in round 3.

After waiting two years behind current Detroit Lion Taylor Decker at Ohio St., Jones made the most of his two years starting. He seemed to improve with every game and became a balanced run and pass blocker.

Jones has very long arms (35″), big wingspan (85″), and quick feet which allow him to control defenders early in the down.

He does not possess the ideal height/weight for a left tackle, but the Raiders need more help on the right side at the moment. Plus, the offensive tackle group for this draft appears to be pretty weak according to most experts.

Regardless, Jones is a solid, well-rounded player who I believe can bring immediate help at right tackle from day 1.

Nathan Shepherd – Defensive Tackle, Fort Hays State

Before the senior bowl, Nathan Shepherd would have been the definition of a diamond in the rough. However, he balled out in Mobile and proved he could hold his own against top players. He’s listed at 6-foot-5 and 315 and possesses excellent flexibility and agility for a man his size.

A former linebacker in high school, Shepherd, knows how to move in space and commanded a double team almost every snap in college.

Coming from Fort Hays State, there will still be questions about his ability to hold up to NFL talent despite his senior bowl showing. He is still very raw so the Raiders would need to develop his hands and overall IQ. If coached correctly, I seem him turning into a devastating interior defender.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: Raiders official list of NFL Draft picks

He’s projected to be a possible day two pick on Draftwire, and the Raiders could snatch him up with the 75th pick. This team needs help in the middle of that defense, and Shepherd has the talent to be a dominant player at the next level.