No move the Oakland Raiders make this offseason will be bigger than bringing back Jon Gruden as head coach. Gruden, thanks to Jack Del Rio’s ineptitude, will be taking over a team with playoff-level talent and a Top 10 draft pick. It’s a recipe for a quick turn-around.
The Raiders have two more seasons in Oakland before they head to Sin City. Here’s who I think should be suiting up for them.
Round 1, Pick 10: Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia
2017: 137 tackles, 14 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries (6-1, 225 pounds)
Gruden won his only Super Bowl with Derrick Brooks holding down this spot in Tampa Bay. He should know the value of a defensive leader at middle linebacker and Smith could be the best of this group.
Round 2, Pick 41: Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
2017: 100 catches, 1,418 yards, seven touchdowns (6-1, 200 pounds)
Oakland let Michael Crabtree go in free agency and replaced him with Jordy Nelson. That shouldn’t mean they’re done adding wide receiver pieces. Gallup can find a role early with the team and should be a solid route runner to compliment Nelson and Amari Cooper.
Round 3, Pick 75: Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State
2017: 53 tackles, 10 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one pass defended, one forced fumble (6-1, 312 pounds)
While there are stars all over the place on Oakland’s roster, they have plenty of holes and depth issues. Nnadi takes care of both of those problems, rotating in as an interior lineman and possible starter down the road.
Round 4, Pick 110: Darius Williams, CB, UAB
2017: 50 tackles, four for a loss, five interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, 15 passes defended, one fumble recovery (5-10, 180 pounds)
Like Nnadi, Williams fills a gaping hole in the roster. His production was through the roof at UAB and he could be a guy that sneaks into the starting line up before the season’s over.
Round 5, Pick 159: Shaquem Griffin, OLB, UCF
2017: 74 tackles, 13.5 for a loss, seven sacks, one interception, three passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one returned for a touchdown (6-1, 223 pounds)
Everybody’s favorite draft story will get to suit up for the Silver and Black. He has rare speed for the position and for a guy with just one hand, is tremendous in pass coverage.
Round 5, Pick 173: Taylor Hearn, OG, Clemson
6-5, 330 pounds
The Raiders’ offensive line took a step backwards last season. Hearn has experience blocking some of the best defensive players in the NCAA on the biggest stages.
Round 6, Pick 185: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
2017: 44 catches, 559 yards, two touchdowns, nine rushes, 30 yards one rushing touchdown (6-5, 250 pounds)
Oakland signed the human butterfinger Jared Cook to a free agent deal last season to mixed results. Even with Cook as the starter, they need to add more bodies to the tight end room and find some red zone production.
Round 6, Pick 212: Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
2017: 124 carries, 596 yards, eight touchdown, 17 catches, 109 receiving yards (6-2, 235 pounds)
Gruden said Marshawn Lynch will be more of a factor this season and the team added Doug Martin in free agency. Scarbrough could end up supplanting them both by year’s end.
Round 6, Pick 216: Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State
6-7, 305 pounds
Cappa is a project at tackle, but one that could pay off quickly under the proper developmental staff.
Round 6, Pick 217: Joshua Kalu, Safety, Nebraska
2017: 47 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defended, one forced fumble (6-1, 195 pounds)
The Raiders are set at starting safety, but could use a back up and special teamer.
Round 7, Pick 228: Leon Jacobs, OLB, Wisconsin
2017: 60 tackles, 10 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, three passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one returned for a touchdown (6-2, 245 pounds)
Jacobs is a big outside linebacker that should see early playing time on the kick units.
