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2019 Raiders 3 Round Mock Draft - My Picks and Likely Gruden Picks

Well some may say doing a mock draft after three weeks is ridiculously premature and they would be undoubtedly correct 100% of the time. However if we are looking at history, only three teams have started 0-3 or worse and have gone on to make the playoffs. None have done it since the 1998 Buffalo Bills and all were bounced in the wild card round.

So for those that respect historical odds and want to see something different, keep reading. Otherwise bye. Normally people do these mock drafts with their take as a what we should do but never mention what is likely to occur. Meaning we have a head coach that wanted the Raiders to draft Johnny Manziel back in 2014 5th overall and was visibly disappointed that we instead went for the sure thing in Khalil Mack and were right. He also reportedly has his own personnel staff including a Dave Razzano that once believed Von Miller would end up a bust and Jake Locker (hasn't been in the league for several years) was a stud. Based on some of our free agent signings like Marcus Gilcrhist, Reggie Nelson, Tahir Whitehead, Derrick Johnson and Doug Martin, we have absolutely nothing to worry about.

So how this works is I give my pick and who the Raiders will likely end up drafting with reasons. So here we go. Based on win percentage and strength of scheduled we are likely at the moment picking 2nd overall in the NFL Draft and the Bears pick we got in a trade I won't harp on is likely to be somewhere between 15 - 21 at the moment. So much for hoping the would be drafting early right?

1st Rd - 2nd Overall Raiders select Ed Oliver DL Houston Cougars

Why? It will be a difficult decision to make picking Oliver over Bosa however Bosa will have medical concerns with his core injury if he chooses to not take part in any off season workouts for teams. Oliver would be the safer pick and with Maurice Hurst provide the Raiders an interior line duo that will finally be a strength.

*1st Rd 2nd Overall Pick likely to be drafted Jonah Williams OT Alabama

Why? Its likely Donald Penn is on his last legs and we don't have anyone on the roster to replace him. Also Tom Cable needs as much talent to work with as he can get.

1st Rd - 15th Overall Raiders select Deonte Thompson FS Alabama

Why? You are a Raiders fan so I assume you watch the games? Finally we get a safety that can run sideline to sideline and is a ballhawk for opposing QBs to account for. Also with the likes of Pat Mahomes and an aging but still talented Phillip Rivers in the division we need all the DB help we can get.

*1st Rd - 15th Overall Raiders likely to select Drew Lock QB Missouri

Why? In Gruden's own words: BECAUSE FUCK YOU! THAT'S WHY!

2nd Rd - 34th Overall Raiders select Devin Bush - OLB Michigan

Why? The Raiders have Marquel Lee, Derrick Johnson, Tahir Whitehead and Emmanuel Lamur all having notched a start so far in 2018. None have done anything of note in three games. Meanwhile while a bit undersized (already a knock against him according to DC Paul Guenther so I know this has no chance in hell of happening) Bush gives the Raiders a dynamic LB with speed and as good a blitzer on the edge as there is finally after years of crossing fingers and praying one will end up being good enough.

*2nd Rd pick Raiders likely to draft Tyler Biadasz C Wisconsin

Why? I feel the Raiders will be rebuilding from the inside out and that includes cutting all of their expensive Olinemen after Tom Cable is unable to get quality play out of them as we have seen so far in 2018...or in Seattle for the past 7 years.

3rd Rd Pick Raiders select Austin Bryant DE Clemson

Why? Great pass rushers are hard to find.

*3rd Rd Pick Raiders likely to draft Trace McSorley QB Penn St.

Why? In 2008 Gruden had 5 QBs in camp and during the regular season, had Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, and Luke McCown all log extensive reps. Even RB Earnest Graham got in the act throwing a TD pass that year.

Well there you have it. Let me know what you would change or what you think Gruden and co will end up doing in 2019.