McShay first mock draft: Raiders pass on Clowney, take QB Bortles

With the college regular season over and the NFL season almost over, the mock drafts are going to start pouring in. One of the more prevalent mock drafts fans tend to follow is that of ESPN's Todd McShay. He and their long time NFL draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr go back and forth with who they think each team will take.

There are two games left in the season which means the draft order has yet to be settled. Even still, where each team will pick is narrowing.

The Raiders have a great many needs again, just as they did last season. Many believe quarterback must be the primary focus for the Raiders with what looks to be a top five or even top three pick come April.

McShay is among those who believe that to be the case, and with Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles declaring that he will enter the draft, McShay believes that's who the Raiders will take.

Here is what he had to say:

Analysis: The Raiders need to upgrade at the QB position, and even though he isn't the most well-known prospect, Bortles has the potential to be a top-10 pick. In fact, it wouldn't shock me if he ends up going ahead of Bridgewater.

Bortles has good size, arm strength and accuracy, and has proved he can win from inside the pocket. He also possesses good character and a strong football IQ. A nice bonus is that he's built to last in the NFL because he's big and mobile enough to move around. He isn't Cam Newton, but more of a cross between Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger.

To see his entire mock draft, click here (must be ESPN Insider subscriber)

The curious thing is he still has Jadeveon Clowney on the board when the Raiders pick which means he believes the Raiders will forego their glaring need for a pass rusher and go with who he believes to be the top quarterback on the board.

He has Louisville quarterback,Teddy Bridgewater, going number one overall to the Texans with the Rams taking offensive tackle Jake Matthews at the number two spot.

He is going with the SOS that has the Raiders picking third even though their SOS with the final two games factored in has them picking fourth should the top four teams not win another game. He has the Jaguars taking Texas A&M quarterback, Johnny Manziel, with the pick immediately after the Raiders and the Falcons taking Clowney with the fifth overall pick.

Would the Jags still take Manziel with the third pick if Bortles were still on the board in McShay's view? Or with Bortles gone would the Raiders take Clowney? Who knows. There's still two games to play in the NFL season and a whole college bowl season yet to play. But it's fun to ponder none the less.

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