Staff predictions for Oakland Raiders first-round picks in 2019
By Brad Weiss
Wheaton’s Choices
Round 1, Pick No. 3- Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
The Raiders desperately need an elite pass-rusher, and with Joey Bosa almost certainly off the board by this point, the Raiders have to take the only other elite edge-rushing prospect in the draft. Now, not to compare him to Khalil Mack, but Ferrell could come in and produce early and often, softening the blow of losing a blue-chip player. Pairing Ferrell with Arden Key could produce some solid pass rushing, but to be honest, anything is better than what they got this year.
Round 1, Pick No. 23- DeAndre Baker, Georgia
Although Gareon Conley is emerging as a legitimate number one corner, the Raiders could still use another top-tier cornerback on their roster. Greedy Williams will likely be gone by this point, but there is a chance that Baker could fall to the Raiders here. If he is there, the Raiders need to sprint to the podium to select the premier cover-corner out of Georgia.
Round 1, Pick No. 26- N’Keal Harry, Arizona State
The Raiders current situation at wide receiver is downright sad, and needs to be addressed in this draft, With A.J. Brown likely being taken in the top 20, Harry becomes the next best wide receiver in the draft. At Arizona State Harry made defenses look silly on a weekly basis, and there is a high probability he continues to do so in the NFL. Oakland would be wise to take Harry to pair with Derek Carr (or whatever quarterback they decide on for 2019).