2018 NFL Mock Draft: Oakland Raiders 7-round mock 1.0

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TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 14: Running back Kalen Ballage #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football against defensive back Myles Bryant #5 of the Washington Huskies during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 13-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

While the Raiders will look to bolster their defense with their first three picks, it would not come as a shock if they spent their fourth-rounder on the offense. The team could go a number of ways with the No. 110 overall pick, but bringing in a running back makes sense with how this roster is made up.

Sure, the team went out and signed Doug Martin this offseason, but he is more of a question mark than anything else heading into this season. In addition, Marshawn Lynch is likely playing his last season in the NFL in 2018, so this team needs an answer at running back moving forward.

One player who is really intriguing is Kalen Ballage, who was a touchdown machine during his time at Arizona State. In fact, Ballage actually scored eight touchdowns in one game during the 2016 season, and can really do it all out of the backfield.

Ballage shared the backfield with Demario Richard last season, but he was still very productive. Not only does he have a good burst through the line, but he is also one of the better pass-catching running backs in this draft class.

Martin and Lynch are going to pound the ball next season, and Ballage would be a nice balance to that. He may never be the three-down back teams love at the NFL level, but when he is in the game, he is a player who has to be accounted for, and the Raiders need players like that.

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