Have we forgotten about Kenneth Murray?

This is going to be one of my final pre-draft posts and something that is nagging at me.

I think Kenneth Murray has been unnecessarily pushed aside when it comes to being the second first-round pick by the Raiders on Thursday night

I think it’s still possible.

I participated in a mock draft for Jacksonville radio station Wednesday where I picked LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton at No. 19. I’d rather have taken Murray, the stud linebacker from Oklahoma but I talked myself out of it because of the “need” factor. The Raiders need a cornerback more than they need a linebacker.

Still, I think Murray is the better player. Isn’t that what’s most important?

If the Raiders took Murray at No. 19 – or later in the first round in a trade down — I’d be pretty impressed by Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.

Too many people are brushing off the Murray idea because the Raiders signed Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski in free agency.

So what? Why not go get a third really good starter?

Yes, NFL defenses are often in a 4-2-5 alignment. But who says that can’t include Murray? Who says there won’t be injuries?

Murray is an outstanding player and he fits what the Raiders want. He has produced. He’s from a big-time program and he is a leader and has good character.

Sounds like a smart pick to me.

Now, I feel better.

I’m not saying the Raiders will take Murray, but I think they could take him. I just wanted to get that point across because I think the idea has been incorrectly buried lately.