In less than two weeks, hundreds of NFL hopefuls will be on the field in Indianapolis for the 2020 Scouting Combine. Every year, we see several players’ stock rise and fall due to on-the-field testing.
But before we get to those drills, it’s time for a three-round mock draft for the Raiders with a little more than two months until the NFL Draft. So without further ado, let’s get to the selections!
No. 12 – WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
One of the toughest decisions the Raiders may have to make is choosing between Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb at No.12, should they both fall that far. Lamb has more size, but Jeudy has significantly more speed.
If given a choice, look for the Raiders to take Jeudy, who is as NFL-ready as they come. He can play outside or in the slot and provides quarterback Derek Carr another reliable weapon in the passing game.
No. 19 – LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Arguably the biggest need on the Raiders’ defense is their lack of speed at linebacker. Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray would be a perfect fit in Paul Guenther’s defense as he can run sideline to sideline with easy and can fill up the stat sheet. While he needs to be more consistent as a tackler, he would instantly be the team’s best and most athletic linebacker. Grabbing Murray at No. 19 would be a home-run for the Raiders.
No. 80 – CB Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame
If the Raiders don’t select a cornerback sometime in Round 1, look for them to address it at some point in the second day of the draft. Troy Pride isn’t the most refined cornerback, but he has ideal height, weight, and speed. Look for Mike Mayock to find a hidden gem at some point in the second day of the draft and for Pride to be one of the few names he considers.
No. 81 – WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC
Given how big of a need wide receiver is for the Raiders, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they double-dipped at some point. The value will likely come on Day 2, and USC’s Michael Pittman Jr. could be someone who could fall. Pittman could rotate in on the outside and would give the Raiders some additional size in the red zone. He would make for an excellent pairing with Jerry Jeudy.
No. 91 – S Brandon Jones, Texas
With Karl Joseph scheduled to hit free agency, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Raiders added more depth to this position later on in the draft. While Brandon Jones’ best trait is his tackling ability, he’s someone who could be a part-time player as a No. 3 safety. At this stage in the draft, Jones would be a value for the Raiders.
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