Oakland Raiders 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft 4.0

27. Noah Fant – Tight End, Iowa

With Jared Cook reportedly on his way to the Saints, the Raiders have big shoes to fill at the tight end position. Gruden can say what he wants about the guys currently on the roster, but none of them should prevent the Raiders from taking an elite talent like Noah Fant.

Despite his great combine and physical traits, there is still a good chance Fant could be available this late. I only see two teams seriously considering a tight end in the first round those being the Packers at 12 or the Titans at 19. Fant’s teammate T.J. Hockenson will likely be the first TE off the board if the Packers do choose to go that directions and then Fant just needs to get past Tennessee. The Titans could look to upgrade pass rush and find a tight end in the next two rounds, leaving the door open for Oakland to take Fant.

Fant might be my favorite player in the draft and the second he steps on an NFL field he is going to be a mismatch for almost any defender. He is the epitome of the modern day tight end with his ability to play inline, move out to the slot or go one-on-one as an outside receiver when needed. He has an advanced understanding of how to run routes and is able to win over the middle of the field in contested situations with length and good hands.

Fant is not going to dominate anyone as a blocker like Hockenson, but when you’re as good of a pass catcher as him, that’s something you can live with.

If the Raiders are able to add a player like Fant to this offense, Derek Carr should be poised for his best statistical season yet given what they’ve already done with offseason.