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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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COLUMBIA, MO – NOVEMBER 4: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers looks for running room against defensive lineman Taven Bryan #93 of the Florida Gators in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO – NOVEMBER 4: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers looks for running room against defensive lineman Taven Bryan #93 of the Florida Gators in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

The Raiders have a big need on the defensive line, and they should focus one of their first three picks on bringing in a defensive tackle. If the Raiders bolster the secondary in round one, we like them to select a defensive tackle in the second round.

This offseason, the Raiders re-signed Justin Ellis to an extension, and they did draft Eddie Vanderdoes during the 2017 NFL Draft. Still, there is not enough talent up front to compete, which is why we have them selecting a defensive tackle in round two.

There are some guys at this position group that should go in the first round, like a Maurice Hurst from Michigan, or Vita Vea from Washington. The Raiders could take care of defensive tackle in the first round, but Minkah Fitzpatrick may be too good a player to pass up if he is still there at No. 10.

Bryan not only hits a ton, but he is also very fast, and put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine. With Bruce Irvin moving to the edge opposite Mack, having a setup of Irvin, Ellis, Bryan, and Mack would give the team a solid front in Paul Guenther’s 4-3 defense.

Fitzpatrick will be able to do a lot of things in this secondary, and a player like Bryan could really take some of the pressure off of Khalil Mack. He and Justin Ellis are two different players, which would give the team versatility up front on defense.

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