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

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Pete Hernandez’ picks

4. Edge Rashan Gary, Michigan

Ideally I’d love to see the Josh Allen or Quinnen Williams taken here, and I’d say if either of those two drop to Oakland at 4 they can’t pass them up. But I think it could be likely those two will be off the board, so I like Rashan Gary here for the Raiders.

He’d be an extremely welcomed addition to a defensive line that is in desperate need of help, and alongside Maurice Hurst (a steal from last year’s draft) and Arden Key (who could take a leap in year 2) the Raiders can’t go wrong with taking Gary with their first pick.

24. OLB Devin Bush, Michigan

Two picks, two selections out of Michigan (I think Charles Woodson would be proud). My hope is that Oakland addresses their need at LB both through the draft and free agency. Bush is a speedy linebacker that is full of athleticism, and if paired with the right veteran players alongside him, he could show a good amount of development in his rookie year. It remains to be seen whether he rises too far up out of reach, but if he’s there at no.24 Oakland should take him off the board.

Next. Expectations for QB Derek Carr in 2019. dark

27. S Nasir Adderley, Delaware

I’m thinking the Raiders should go defense in the first round and fill some offensive holes (like WR) in the second. Thus, Gruden caps off his third first round pick with Nassir Adderley. Gruden clearly loved him at the Senior Bowl and gave him the Raiders stickers on his helmet as proof. He’d be a solid fit alongside Karl Joseph in an effort to upgrade a Raiders secondary that showed promise towards the end of last season.

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