Raiders 3-round NFL Mock Draft: Trading into the top-5 at all costs
By Brad Weiss
We close with the offensive side of the ball, and if there is one area the Raiders need to address in their first few picks if they land a quarterback early, it is offensive tackle. Of course, Tom Telesco could decide to stay put at No. 13, bringing in one of the elite offensive tackles in this draft class, but if he does go for the elite QB early, he will have to address this need early on.
One player they could have their eyes on during the third round is Patrick Paul, who has been mocked everywhere from the second round, up until Day 3. Paul is an elite pass blocker, finishing fourth among draft-eligible offensive tackles according to PFF for his career, and was the team captain of the Cougars last season.
With the Raiders adding Cody Whitehair in free agency, an interior offensive lineman who has familiarity with current offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, they may be set on the inside. Las Vegas still has a gaping hole at right tackle, even with the emergence of Thayer Munford Jr. last season, so adding Paul would bolster that position group in a big way.