Let’s get make some deals
This is my second full seven-round Las Vegas Raiders mock draft. The first didn’t have trades. This one will. Full disclosure: Some players may appear on multiple mocks as we try exercise our way up to draft day Thursday:
Let’s get it done:
First round
Trade: Raiders send No. 6 pick to New Orleans Saints for No. 9 No. 71 picks.
No. 9: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty:
This is a no-brainer deal for new Raiders’ general manager John Spytek. The Raiders slide down three picks, get their man in Jeanty and pick up another premium pick. easy money
Trade: Washington sends No. 29 overall pick to Raiders for No. 37, 108 and 143 picks.
No. 29: Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka:
The extra pick garnered in the trade with the Saints allows the Raiders some wiggle to get aggressive at the end of the first round and take Egbuka. Chip Kelly reunites with a player he coached last year and the Raiders get their second top-rated skill-position, instant starter of the night. Geno Smith, Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, Jeanty and Egbuka (who has major slot potential) would go a long way to fixing this offense for Kelly.
Third round
No. 68: Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers:
The push for offense continue. The Raiders have studied Ewers and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly likes him. He will get a chance to groom under Geno Smith for the next couple/few seasons. It’s worth a shot.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25943620/2184839465.jpg)
Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
No. 71: Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr.
The Raiders need youth at linebacker and Paul is a nice player who could push to start fairly soon.
Sixth round
No. 180: Wisconsin tackle Jack Nelson:
John Spytek loves offensive lineman and this big man has a chance to develop.
No. 213 California linebacker Teddy Buchanan:
The Raiders have been studying him and he seems like a Pete Carroll-pick.
No. 215 Oregon State guard Joshua Gray:
Like Nelson, Spytek gets another offensive line project.
Seventh round:
No. 222: Alabama safety Malachi Moore:
This is a heck of value here for a player who could come in and help on special teams right away.
Conclusion:
I’d like to work a cornerback into this mix, but overall this is a pretty good, top-heavy draft with some help of some early aggression on the trade front.
