ESPN: Mel Kiper Jr.
- #12 – C.J. Henderson, Cornerback, Florida
- #19 – Jordan Love, Quarterback, Utah State
Mel Kiper Jr. released his mock draft 4.0, and when looking at who he selected for the Las Vegas Raiders, he indeed went against the grain. With players like CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs still available at pick 12, Kiper instead decided to upgrade the Raiders’ secondary with cornerback C.J. Henderson from Florida.
"“And just like 2019, they still have needs in the secondary, where they got solid play from second-round pick Trayvon Mullen but don’t have much else at cornerback. Henderson would be an upgrade.”"
I personally am a fan of Henderson due to his ability to play great man coverage. Still, with the Raiders’ need for pass-catchers, it is interesting Kiper went this direction. However, that wasn’t even the biggest surprise of this mock draft.
Kiper then decided to give the Raiders their quarterback of the future with Utah State’s Jordan Love.
Honestly, I could see Gruden liking a quarterback with Love’s skill set. Right size, incredible arm, and is a good enough athlete to extend plays. But to take him in the first round would be a clear sign that Derek Carr’s days are number, which would contradict multiple things the front office has said this offseason.
"“Since I’m not going to predict trades in this Mock Draft, I feel good about Love being here. Now, that could change on draft day, and a team could move above the Raiders to get him. But this would be a coup for Las Vegas, which isn’t tied to Derek Carr or Marcus Mariota past 2020.”"
Now, if Gruden and Mayock honestly believe Jordan Love is the answer, they shouldn’t concern themselves with Carr’s feelings. However, saying one thing repeatedly to the public, then doing another might not sit well in the locker room.