Losing a must win game versus the Jets, the Raiders could very well end up with a pick in the top 5. Just like last season where GM Reggie McKenzie traded down to gain an additional 2nd round pick, I can realistically see a couple of teams wanting to leapfrog into the position to take a coveted player, especially if there's a QB slotted at the position. McKenzie in contrast may have coveted players but will always have his line open for GMs calling to trade for additional picks (unless of course that player is Derek Carr and McKenzie is sold on him). The Raiders could drop 4-5 slots, still get their man and add an additional pick in the top 64.
1st Round: WR Sammy Watkins - Clemson - Sammy Watkins is an electric playmaker who's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He would give the Raiders offense a shot in the arm with his deep speed and velcro hands. Watkins is a very smooth receiver who has some of the best run after the catch ability of any WR to come out in the last couple of drafts. His ability to snatch the ball out of the air gives him an impressive catch radius and because of that he plays a lot bigger than his size. Watkins had a rough 2012 off the field but he seems to have matured this season. Watkins could very well be gone by the time the Raiders pick in the 10-15 range, but stranger things have happened. Player Comparison: Torrey Smith - Ravens Alternate Pick: WR Marqise Lee - USC
2nd Round: DT Aaron Donald - Pitt -Tweener was a bad word once in the NFL, but with today's pass heavy offenses, defenses want their linemen to be quick and versatile. Donald's lack of ideal measurables are made up by his ability to use his leverage and quickness to win battles at the point of attack. He's surprisingly strong, with the ability to generate good power in his hands and displays a good assortment of pass rush moves. Donald has a great motor, and evidenced by his 22.5 tackles for loss this season, he'd be a great weapon for the attacking style of defense DC Jason Tarver has employed for much of this season. Pairing him next to Houston would pose a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. Player Comparison: DT Geno Atkins - Bengals Alternate Pick: DT Will Sutton - Arizona State
2nd Round: RB Bishop Sankey - Washington - There are bigger names with gaudier stats than Sankey, but he would be a great addition to the Raiders offense. Sankey is a true 3 down runningback, contributing to the passing game either out of the backfield or in pass protection. Sankey has a great blend of quickness, vision and balance and he makes positive plays after initial contact. He has the goods to be either a RBC or a bonafide starter. One of my favorite players in this draft. Player Comparison: Maurice Jones-Drew - Jaguars Alternate Pick: TE C.J. Fiedorowicz - Iowa
3rd Round: DE Shilique Calhoun - Michigan State - Redshirt sophomore Calhoun is a very explosive edge rusher who may end up staying at MSU to bolster his draft status and let his body mature with his already uber-athletic skill set. As a defensive end, Calhoun has 3 defensive touchdowns this season to go with 14 TFL and 7.5 sacks. His athleticism and quickness allows him the ability to drop back and make plays in the open field to go along with his edge rushing. Calhoun's upside is huge. Player Comparison: Olivier Vernon - Dolphins Alternate Pick: OG Gabe Jackson - Mississippi State
4th Round: CB Aaron Colvin - Oklahoma - Physical defensive back with good size at the position. Colvin is a tough corner who plays well in coverage and against the run. His strength allows him to jam WRs effectively at the line of scrimmage. Colvin could be a higher rated prospect if he can cut down his mental mistakes. His aggressiveness has gotten him into trouble in the past with pass interference penalties, especially in the bigger games. Player Comparison: Cary Williams - Eagles Alternate Pick: CB Keith McGill - Utah
6th Round: TE Kaneakua Friel - BYU - Friel went from being buried in the depth chart to becoming a solid contributor in the Cougars passing game this season. He has the strength to run tackles after the catch and is a willing blocker.
7th Round: OG Spencer Long - Nebraska - Former walk-on turned team captain Spencer Long has been a long time fixture of the Huskers OL, having played both tackle and guard in his career. Long moves well from his right guard position, with good lateral movement and the quickness to pull on run blocks. He isn't very athletic and needs to work on not being such a waist-bender, where he then tends to reach and lunge, losing his balance and ending up on the ground. He needs to improve on his technique and getting stronger at the point of attack. Long's definitely a try hard guy and could become a better player than many think he will be. His mid-season knee injury drops his draft stock.
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