Mel Kiper, Todd McShay go two rounds in dueling mock draft: Their Raiders picks are basically identical and both highly questionable

Todd McShay and Mel Kiper don’t have a lot to do most of the year and ESPN has to get their money’s worth out of them. So, along with their regular mock drafts, they put out a dueling mock draft. Not sure the point of it because it’s just each guy lining up their own mock drafts, but they get another bit of content, so more power to them.

Here is how this year’s dueling mock went for the Raiders picks.

4. Oakland Raiders

Kiper: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

Williams is the type of defensive playmaker Jon Gruden loves, and you have tothink the Raiders coach would be thrilled if he made it to No.

McShay: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

Could the Raiders think about a quarterback here? Gruden got to see Drew Lockup close at the Senior Bowl. But let’s not forget that this team badly needsdefensive line help. Williams had 19.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season.

24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears)

Kiper: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

Oakland needs a No. 1 back, and Jacobs is the best -- and most versatile -- RB in this class.

McShay: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The Raiders need a lot of things, but they neeeed a corner. Murphy’s ball skills would be welcomed with open arms.

27. OaklandRaiders (from Dallas Cowboys)

Kiper: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

The cornerback spot opposite Gareon Conley is wide-open. There could be a run on corners at the end of Round 1.

McShay: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

It took three extra picks, but I also have Jacobs heading to the Bay. He hits holes hard and would pair nicely with Isaiah Crowell in a revamped running game.

35. Oakland Raiders

Kiper: Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech

Let’s recap the Raiders’ four picks in the top 35: a dominant defensive tackle at No. 4; the draft’s best running back at No. 24; a starting corner at No. 27; and the NCAA’s career sacks leader (45) at No. 35.

McShay: L.J. Collier, DE, TCU

These guys are picking again? Let’s address the edge now with Collier after a significant first round.

My take:

So, they have two of the four picks exactly the same and the others the same position but a different player. Quite an echo chamber they got over there.

So, neither of them think edge rusher is a first round priority for a team with just one sack from current defensive ends on the team? McShay has them passing on Clelin Ferrell at pick 24. Riiiiight.

Both think Josh Jacobs is a must despite needs at several other more vital positions. Or is it they just have Jacobs as a first round product, so someone needs to take him that high and the Raiders seem like the only team who has a need that great at the position?

They’re so convinced CB is a “neeeed” despite that position being the deepest on the team after making Lamarcus Joyner their only long term deal for a defender so he can play the nickel while also adding Nevin Lawson to a unit that already has starters in place in former top pick Gareon Conley and Jon Gruden favorite Daryl Worley.

I especially like how Kiper recaps what he gave the Raiders trying to talk you into how great it is and the bounty he collected for you. It was a good attempt.

I’m not saying these two are wrong, but if they’re right, the Raiders would be quite wrong for doing it.