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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Oakland Raiders 7-round mock 3.0

By Brad Weiss

OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Oakland Raiders could go a number of different ways with the No. 10 overall pick, as they need help up and down this roster. While some like Roquan Smith to go at ten, the fact that so many quarterbacks should go early will land the Raiders with likely whoever they covet.

For years, this team has struggled against the pass, and has tried to bring in veterans to help out in the secondary. In addition, they have used their last two first round picks on the defensive backfield, drafting safety Karl Joseph in 2016, and cornerback Gareon Conley in 2017.

That trend will continue in 2018, as Minkah Fitzpatrick from Alabama should be available. Fitzpatrick is an incredible athlete, and played both cornerback, and safety during his time with the Crimson  Tide, winning two national titles.

During his college days, Fitzpatrick played for current Raiders defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, who is in his first year with the team. In addition, he has the ability to not only play slot corner, but is also big enough to cover tight ends, and be utilized on blitz packages.

Oakland brought in Rashaan Melvin this offseason to team with Conley at cornerback, so Fitzpatrick would make a lot of sense here. If they bring in Minkah, the secondary could be a strength for the first time in a long time.

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