The Las Vegas Raiders will enter the second day of the draft without a second-round pick. However, the team has three third-round selections and could potentially use those picks to move up in the draft if there is a player still available that Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden love.
But what positions could they even look at tonight in the draft? The team filled its two biggest needs in wide receiver and cornerback. They could continue to add depth to their secondary, but a developmental quarterback is certainly in play, as well.
In Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft at The Athletic, he has the Raiders selecting quarterback Jalen Hurts from Oklahoma. After transferring away from Alabama, Hurts was the 2019 Heisman Trophy Runner-Up after scoring 52 touchdowns in the Big 12. He has all the necessary physical tools for the position, but he needs some time to improve his play speed and anticipation as a passer.
While the quarterback position isn’t a need for the Raiders, Hurts is an exciting developmental pick with the highest-character possible at the position. He could sit behind both Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota for a few years until he grows as a passer.
In the third round, Hurts is a worthwhile gamble given his athletic upside and leadership qualities. And considering how much the Raiders love players from big schools with high football character, you can bet Hurts will be in the conversation if he is available.
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