Oakland Raiders: 6 Questions That Need Answers Ahead of the Draft
By Kevin Saito
Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie looks on before the game between the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Will They Trade the Pick?
We all know that McKenzie loves nothing more than stockpiling draft picks when given the chance. Okay he may love NOT spending money more than that, but it’s a close second.
There is a scenario that could see the Raiders trading down in the first round to accumulate a couple of extra picks in the draft. This year’s draft class just so happens to be pretty deep and talented at both of Oakland’s biggest areas of need – wide receiver and defensive end – so it’s pretty feasible that McKenzie trades back, adds a couple of draft picks, and still get one of the guys high on his board.
It probably wouldn’t be the popular move – especially if trading back meant losing out on the opportunity to draft Cooper/White or Fowler/Gregory/Beasley, but it could be the smart one. Stockpiling a few more picks could add some key pieces to an Oakland team that has multiple holes and lacks depth at some positions.
And given the number of teams that need some serious help at the skill positions, McKenzie may be able to collect a king’s ransom from a team looking to add a Marcus Mariota. Look at what the Rams were able to extort – ahem – collect from Washington for the pick that landed them Robert Griffin III.
Trading back in the first round seems the least likely move Oakland will make at this point, but things could change in a heartbeat. So you just never know.