The NFL draft is still set to be held April 23-25. With free agency in the “dregs” phase, the focus is starting to switch to the draft, especially with the Raiders holding two first-round picks.
With the free-agency heavy lifting out of the way, let’s look at three questions about the Raiders’ draft:
1. What receiver is their favorite:
It looks as though the Raiders will likely take a receiver at No. 12 because they answered more defensive needs in free agency. The original thought was because this is such a receiver-rich draft, the Raiders could look to add defense at No. 12 and receiver at No. 19. But unless Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons or Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown falls, the Raiders will likely add a receiver first. They have addressed the position in free agency other than rotational player Nelson Agholor. The top receivers appears to be Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb and Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. The Raiders may have their pick of receivers, so they may have to make a tough decision.
2. What will be first defensive position addressed:
At this point, it’s probably cornerback. The Raiders tried to sign starters Byron Jones and Chris Harris, but didn’t win the sweepstakes. They signed Eli Apple, but he’s likely set to be No. 3. So, they need a cornerback more than linebacker or defensive tackle. But it all depends on how the draft board falls.
3. Will they get a second-round pick:
The Raiders have seven draft picks and five in the top No. 91 picks. But they don’t have a second-round pick. That went to Chicago in the Khalil Mack deal. The Raiders could trade down from No. 19 or trade up with packages involving one or more of their three third-round picks (No. 80, 91 and 91) in an attempt to get a valuable second-round pick.
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