3 trades the Raiders could make to jump into the second round

3 trades the Raiders could make to jump into the second round

When the Raiders’ second first-round pick was coming up last night, we asked the fans which player they wanted. The resounding response seemed to be to forgo picking a player at No. 19 and trade down first.

Mike Mayock said he didn’t initiate any trade calls, but that he fielded some calls and decided not to do it. They then surprised basically everyone by selecting Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette.

Wanting to trade down wasn’t just to ease the reach for Arnette or any other of the second-tier cornerbacks still on the board. It was also with the hope the Raiders could pick up a second-rounder in the process.

They didn’t do that. But they still can.

Currently the Raiders have three picks in the third (No. 80, No. 81, No. 91), a pick in the fourth (No. 121), and a pick in the fifth (No. 159). They also reportedly have a couple players on the block in Gabe Jackson and P.J. Hall.

If you think of what Jackson or Hall might yield simply for a straight up draft pick, it isn’t high. Probably a fourth or fifth-round pick for either of them. But they could be more valuable in a package with a pick to move up.

Moving up into the 40s would probably cost more than the Raiders would be able to pay in terms of draft capital and would probably be more than Jackson or Hall are worth in trade.

Their inclusion in any trade, of course, would also depend on a team that had a need at that position.

Nearly every team in the late second round have a need at either guard or defensive tackle and possibly both and Hall or Jackson are certainly worth a jump of 20-25 spots.

I’d pay particular attention to the Ravens (No. 55, No. 60) and Seahawks (No. 59, No. 64) who each have two picks at the bottom of the second round and who each have needs at both guard and defensive tackle. The Bills (No. 54) also have needs at both positions.

Trades NOT involving Jackson or Hall might look something like this.

As high as pick No. 49 from Steelers for picks No. 81, No. 91, and No. 159

As high as pick No. 57 from Rams for picks No. 81 and No. 91

Pick No. 64 from Seahawks for picks No. 80, No. 121

Here are three potential targets for the Raiders if they do decide to move up into the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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