Oakland Raiders: 5 possible picks at No. 35

24 Oct 1999: A fan of the Oakland Raiders cheers in the stands as he wears the logo during a game against the New York Jets at the Network Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Jets 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Jon Ferrey /Allsport
24 Oct 1999: A fan of the Oakland Raiders cheers in the stands as he wears the logo during a game against the New York Jets at the Network Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Jets 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Jon Ferrey /Allsport /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Irv Smith Jr. #82 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Irv Smith Jr. #82 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. IrvSmith Jr.. . 829. Scouting Report. Tight End. Alabama. player

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.