Las Vegas Raiders pre-free agency 7-round mock draft
By Matt Holder
Pick Analysis. Cornerback. Scouting Report. Virginia. BryceHall. 80. player. 28
Before the season, Bryce Hall was considered one of the top cornerbacks in the draft class. Unfortunately, an ankle injury cut his senior year short and his stock has taken a hit.
The Raiders end up being the beneficiary of Hall’s fall, as they get a cornerback who excels in zone coverage and has a high football IQ. Both of those traits are something that Gruden and Guenther covet at the position.
At 6’1″ 202 pounds, Hall has the ideal size to play cornerback as well. He and Mullen could end up being staples in Las Vegas’ secondary for years to come.
JalenHurts. 28. 81. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Quarterback. Oklahoma
As we inch closer to the draft, the Jalen Hurts to the Raiders rumors seem to be picking up steam. General manager Mike Mayock was in attendance at Oklahoma’s pro day and was pictured chatting with the former Sooner. Of course, that alone doesn’t mean Hurts is on his way to Las Vegas, but several reports are indicating that the team is interested in him.
With this pick, the Silver and Black get a quarterback that Gruden can develop over the next couple of seasons and potentially, push Derek Carr for the starting job in 2020. Athletic signal-callers are taking over in the modern version of the league and that’s exactly what Hurts brings to the table. When he would take over the reins would still be a question but at the very least, the organization adds a quality backup.
TroyDye. player. 28. 91. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Oregon
Okay everyone, stop freaking out, the need at linebacker has finally been addressed!
It feels like it has been years since the Raiders have been able to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. That problem has been a symptom of poor linebacker play and it looks like the organization’s decision-makers have caught on with the recent release of Tahir Whitehead.
Troy Dye is exactly what the team should be looking for in the middle of its defense. He’s athletic, can drop in coverage, and was the leader of Oregon’s defensive unit the past couple of seasons. Depending on how free agency goes, he could walk in and be a day one starter for Las Vegas.