2019 NFL Draft: Staff predictions for the Oakland Raiders first round

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ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Jaylen Smith #9 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Sanjit T’s picks

4. Edge Josh Allen, Kentucky

With only 13 total sacks last year, Oakland was the worst pass rushing team in the NFL, by far. They were so bad that one could double their sacks, and they’d still be dead last. The Raiders biggest need is pass rushing, and Kentucky’s Josh Allen would be a steal if the Raiders could draft him. Allen, who is listed at 6’4” 258 pounds, was the SEC defensive player of the year in 2018 with 21.5 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. He’d be an instant upgrade and could make an immediate impact.

24. TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa

Jared Cook is set to be a free agent and although a lot of fans want him back, there is a reason as to why he hasn’t been able to stay on one NFL team. His inability to run block is a huge liability. Insert T.J. Hockenson, the Mackey Award winner, an award given to the country’s best tight end. Noah Fant, a teammate of Hockenson, is regarded as the top tight end, however Hockenson is the better run blocker by far and also had more catches, yards, and touchdowns than Fant in 2018.

Iowa has produced some of the best tight ends the past couple seasons, one being San Francisco’s George Kittle. If the Raiders want to lock up there tight end position and draft a tight end that can be a thread in the passing game, as well as someone who can block Von Miller, Justin Houston, & Joey Bosa, they will draft Hockenson.

27. S Deionte Thompson, Alabama

With three of the Raiders four safeties hitting the free agent market this year, the team need to draft a safety who can start next to Karl Joseph. And although Oakland does need a full-time starter opposite of Gareon Conley, we do have some players that played well for us at that position, one being Daryl Worley.

The Raiders should target to bring him back. Alternatively, there are a ton of free agent corners this year. So instead of drafting a corner, the Raiders should lock up there safety position for the next 5 years by drafting safety Deionte Thompson. One of the biggest needs for Oakland is a safety that can cover a TE. Last season we struggled mightily, and with Thompson allowing only 22.9% of targets to be caught, he’d be an instant upgrade.

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