Oakland Raiders: 5 possible picks at No. 35
The Raiders lost Jared Cook to the New Orleans Saints in free agency and now have a need at tight end. After missing out on the two Iowa tight ends in the first round, look for the Raiders to take offense again and go with a talented pasis-catcher in Irv Smith Jr.
Per PFF, Smith had the second highest yards per route run in this class with 2.56, only behind Caleb Wilson who had nearly double the targets. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds Smith is slightly shorter than the likes of Travis Kelce, but he has sure hands and can improve in the blocking game.
With 707 yards and 8 touchdowns at Alabama this year, Smith showed that he is capable of being a receiving tight end that can replace someone like Cook. His athleticism and sure hands are his strengths, and with room to grow as a blocker, there is no reason why Smith can’t become a dual-threat tight end at the next level.