Although the draft figures to have plenty of surprises in store as if right now, the Raiders aren’t expected to take a quarterback or an offensive tackle with their first pick at No. 12 overall.
But a lot of teams ahead of them certainly will be looking at those positions. Just how many go in the top ten is the question and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport thinks the top ten will be almost exclusively made up of QB’s and OT’s.
“One thing I’m pretty sure about is the top ten of the draft is going to be filled with quarterbacks and offensive linemen,” Rapoport said on NFL Now.
From NFL Now: The Top 10 will be mostly offensive tackles and QBs… which pushes both of those groups up. pic.twitter.com/ILGoluBVem
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2020
Rapoport mentions offensive tackles Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas, adding, “It is pretty safe to say that these tackles are going to go much higher than they have in previous drafts.”
There are expected to be at least three quarterbacks taken with Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert leading the way. That is seven prospects, not ten. Even so, Rapoport went as far as to say he “wouldn’t be surprised if the whole top ten is just quarterbacks and O-linemen.”
His statement suggests there could be more than the three QBs taken in the top ten. Other QBs who have been discussed include Utah State’s Jordan Love and Washington’s Jacob Eason. Another OT considered a first-round product is Houston’s Josh Jones.
An entire top ten of quarterbacks and offensive tackles would indeed be a shocker, especially when you consider the defensive talent at the top of this draft.
Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young is considered perhaps the best prospect in this draft period. Others who have been pegged as top ten picks include Young’s teammate Jeff Okudah, Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown, and Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.
If even a single QB or tackle other than the seven above go in the top ten, it would mean one of these elite defenders will be on the board when the Raiders pick at No. 12.
As it stands, they could still have their pick of any of the best receivers in this draft. In that instance, they would have to decide if they want the best defender at one of several key positions in this draft or the best wide receiver.
That’s a good problem to have.
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