Oakland Raiders: 4 positions of need in the 2019 NFL Draft

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Tight end

With Jared Cook expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints, the Raiders will have a huge hole to fill at the tight end position. Lee Smith and Derek Carrier have a combined 99 career receptions and 9 touchdowns despite a combined 14 seasons in the league so they can’t be considered acceptable replacements.

Fortunately, the Raiders will have plenty of opportunities to address the position in the early parts of the draft or even in day three if they chose. The Iowa tight ends T.J. Hockensen and Noah Fant are the top guys in the class, and there a good chance one could be available late in the first.

After that Irv Smith Jr. from Alabama could be an option in the second. In day 3 the Raiders could look at prospects like Josh Oliver, Dax Raymond, Foster Moreau or Kahale Warring.

There is plenty to pick from so there is no reason the Raiders shouldn’t end up with a great or quality player by the end of the draft. The pass-catching group is already looking lethal with Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams on the outside so a tight end that can control the middle of the field will give Derek Carr everything he needs.

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