Oakland Raiders: Final full first-round 2019 NFL mock draft
By Sanjit T.
2. San Francisco 49ers Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
This offseason the San Francisco 49ers 49ers picked up the options for Dekoda Watson & Cassius Marsh, as well as traded for Dee Ford. All of these pass rushers will be key in Robert Saleh’s 4-3 defense. Alongside Solomon Thomas, who was already under contract, this pass rushing group is well on its way to being one of the tops in the NFL.
The Niners can focus on improving the inside by picking the best player in this class, Quinnen Williams. The Niners already have DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead in the middle of their defense, but Armstead is much better in a limited role. When you fill in Alabama’s Williams, the Niners probably have the best pass-rushing defensive line in the NFL.
3. New York Jets Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Josh Allen looks beautiful on the board here. However, the Jets signed Henry Anderson, Steve McLendon, and Brandon Copeland, all defensive linemen. They can now focus on fixing their offensive line.
They went out and traded for one of the best offensive guards in the NFL, Kelechi Osemele, and they should pair him up with Jonah Williams, the best offensive linemen coming out of college.
Jonah Williams has all-pro potential, and the New York Jets have shown interest in Jonah, as they met with him during the combine. To win a Super Bowl, teams must be able to protect their quarterback. Although Williams is not known as an excellent run blocker, he would be an instant upgrade, and can also hold his weight against top tier pass rushers. Williams only gave up five sacks over his four years at Alabama, and he should be able to anchor that offensive line for a very long time.
4. Oakland Raiders Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky
The Raiders most significant need is a pass rusher, and Josh Allen, who had 17 sacks last year, would be the perfect fit. Allen weights 262 pounds, which is ideal for the Raiders. He would come in and be able to play the strong side position, opposite of Arden Key.
The only drawback I’ve had here is with Allen and Key being the Raiders starting defensive ends, they wouldn’t be built correctly to play a 4-3 defense. Paul Guenther’s 4-3 defense has always utilized big defensive ends. For example, Carl Lawson and Carlos Dunlap weigh 265 and 280 pounds. Another player from the Bengals is defensive end Michael Johnson, who also weighs almost 270 pounds.
Although Josh Allen is perfect at 262 pounds, he is more built for the weakside position. Last year, Frostee Rucker was brought in to play the strong side defensive end spot, and he weighed 285 pounds. The odd man out here I guess would be Arden Key, who only weighed 235 pounds last year. The Raiders might consider switching to a 3-4 if they take Allen.
If I had to guess today, I’d say Oakland takes Josh Allen. However, don’t be surprised if they take Devin White here instead.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Devin White, ILB, LSU
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a great position here, as they can go in many different ways. The one that isn’t mentioned much, however, is a quarterback. Although I don’t like Jameis Winston as their quarterback, the Bucs should give him one more year. And with the recent loss of Kwon Alexander & Adarius Taylor, the Buccaneers should draft the best linebacker coming out of the draft the past five years, Devin White.
General managers made the comparison of White to Patrick Willis, and for a good reason. White had 123 total tackles in 2018, including 56 stops, which refers to positive impact plays against the run. White will be an immediate starter and leader for that defense.
His explosiveness is real. White was recruited to be the replacement for Leonard Fournette at running back, and during his time at LSU, he was asked by his staff to make the switch, and it looks like it’ll pay off well for him as he should go in the top-5 in this year’s draft.