Raiders mock draft: Predicting the picks right after No. 17

On Tuesday, I wrote an AFC West mock draft in which I I selected USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker at No. 17 for the Raiders.

I made that choice because Vera-Tucker is a player who can both fill immediate and future needs. He can play right tackle in 2021 and move to guard if needed later. In short, Vera-Tucker would fill a big hole on the offensive line for a long time.

I didn’t reveal my non-AFC West picks, but I wanted to show the four picks immediately after No. 17 to take a look at who may also be on the board for the Raiders when they actually make the pick April 29.

No. 18 Miami Dolphins, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, linebacker, Notre Dame.

No. 19 Washington Football Team, Christian Darrisaw, tackle, Virginia Tech.

No. 20 Chicago Bears, Greg Newsome, cornerback, Northwestern.

No. 21 Indianapolis Colts, Teven Jenkins, tackle, Oklahoma State.

Out of these four players, I could see the Raiders considering all but Newsome. Owusu-Koramoah was my second choice behind Vera-Tucker. He’s been connected to the Raiders a lot, but I think Vera-Tucker offers them better value based in terms of current needs. Jenkins could be on the list as well, but I think Vera-Tucker is a better overall prospect.

OK, commence picking my decision apart now ...