While ESPN leaves the breaking news to Adam Schefter (and Ian Rapoport after the company purchased NFL Network), Peter Schrager is also a well-respected insider in the industry. When it comes to the NFL draft, Schrager pens two mock drafts a year, and both are based on what he’s hearing around the league. The first dropped on Tuesday, April 7, and, to no surprise, Fernando Mendoza went first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
With the No. 1 pick being a virtual lock, the draft really starts in the second round for the Raiders. So, let’s dive into Schrager’s mock and see how that could impact what Las Vegas does at No. 36.
Dillon Thieneman in trade-up range
Thieneman sliding all the way to the Miami Dolphins at pick 30 was the first thing that stood out to me. For the most part, he’s been considered a top 20 selection after lighting it up at the NFL Combine. However, position value could be a bigger factor than most expect, even in a draft class that lacks premier talent at premier positions. For reference, Schrager has the Dallas Cowboys taking Caleb Downs at 12 and the Minnesota Vikings selecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at 18.
If the Oregon product slides into the mid- to late-20s, that could be a perfect opportunity for the Raiders to trade up and get him. The defense needs a free safety badly, and moving up from 36 to say 25 shouldn’t cost too much.
Wide Receiver pickings are slim
If you’re hoping that the Silver and Black can land a potential No. 1 receiver in the second round, then you’re also hoping Schrager is off on his predictions. Omar Cooper Jr., KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston seem like the most realistic options, but all three were first-round picks in this mock. Cooper went 16th overall to the New York Jets, while the Philadelphia Eagles landed Boston at 23 overall, and Concepcion was the next player off the board to the Cleveland Browns.
With the consensus top three receivers—Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson—getting drafted even earlier than the trio above, that leaves Chris Brazzell, Chris Bell and Germie Bernard as the top options out wide at No. 36. For what it’s worth, NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board has Brazzell ranked 50th overall, Bell 53rd and Bernard 56th. So, all three would be reaches, meaning the Raiders would be better off waiting another round to add a pass-catcher.
Kayden McDonald might be pipe dream
This one is more personal, as McDonald is my top choice for Las Vegas in the second round. Not only did Schrager send the Ohio State product to the Buffalo Bills at No. 26, but he also said that he’s “hearing significant first-round buzz” surrounding the nose tackle. Granted, I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens, especially since the Bears, Houston Texans and New England Patriots could also use some beef in the trenches.
Barring a trade-up, it sounds like the Raiders will have to settle for Lee Hunter, Christen Miller or a third/fourth-rounder. The good news is there are plenty of options in this year’s draft class.
No RT options
This year’s crop of offensive tackles is weak, but that didn’t stop Schrager from having seven go in the first round of his mock. That makes sense because it’s a premium position where teams, especially the ones picking in the backend of day one, are willing to invest a high pick on a developmental prospect who has high-end traits.
A lot of people have been curious if Caleb Lomu (27th, San Francisco 49ers), Blake Miller (22nd, Los Angeles Chargers) or Max Iheanachor (28th, Texans) will be available at 36, but Schrags had each of them coming off the board in the 20s. That being said, Miller to Los Angeles is a head-scratcher since the Chargers are set at tackle with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, while the interior of their line needs help.
BPA Options
The biggest surprise player who wasn’t included in Schrager’s first round mock has to be Keldric Faulk. I’m not a huge fan of the Auburn product as a day one talent, but if I’m a general manager and you’re telling me I can get a 20-year-old with elite physical traits in the second round, sign me up! Faulk would be a luxury pick, but would also be a good scheme fit as a 4i-technique defensive end.
It was a lot less surprising to see Peter Woods fall out of round one since he’s been losing quite a bit of steam since the summer, and a mediocre pro day workout didn’t do him any favors. Still, the 2024 tape is impressive enough that the Clemson product might be worth taking a flier on if he slides to No. 36. That could give Las Vegas a first-round talent in round two.
Avieon Terrell is another former Tiger who seems to be teetering between hearing his name called on Thursday or Friday night at the end of the month. Schrags had the cornerback falling out of the first, and while the Raiders don’t have a pressing need with Eric Stokes and Darien Porter returning to the perimeter of the defense, the position group has plenty of room to add extra talent. Terrell could easily push for a starting job as a rookie in Sin City.
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