Oakland Raiders: Five First Round Scenarios That Make Sense

The Oakland Raiders have a number of ways they can go with the fourteenth overall pick in the upcoming draft – here are a few scenarios that make sense.

Coming into this year’s draft, Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie is in an interesting spot. Most draft experts agree that there isn’t a ton of elite talent in this draft, and potentially, even fewer day one starters. And picking in the middle of the draft order, the Raiders may miss out on some of the few elite prospects, but may still be able to find a couple of impact players.

Put another way, this year’s draft seems a lot like one of those bags of mixed candy bars – there are some really good candies in the bag, like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or a Baby Ruth. But with the Raiders picking at fourteen, their chances of getting stuck with Milk Duds and Whoppers is far higher.

It seems pretty certain that Carson Wentz and Jared Goff are going one and two, given the needs of the Rams and the Eagles and the king’s ransoms they paid to move up to a position to take them. Which means that the Raiders are essentially holding the twelfth overall pick.

Throw in a team like say, the Buffalo Bills, potentially moving up to snag Paxton Lynch – whom they’re rumored to be high on – and the chances of the Raiders getting one of the really good candy bars increases a bit.

More from Las Vegas Raiders News

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
• Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
• Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
• Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots

There are a number of players the Raiders have been connected to, some of them getting a ton of hype, who might not be a great fit for the team for one reason or another. But there are other players who aren’t generating the type of buzz some of the elite prospects are who might be a great fit for the team should they fall to the Raiders at fourteen.

At this point, McKenzie and HC Jack Del Rio aren’t necessarily desperate for day one starters. They have a solid roster loaded with talent and have laid a terrific foundation for immediate – as well as long term – success. But they will need to find players who can be groomed and developed to take over key roles with the team in time.

The Raiders have some options and flexibility with how to approach their first pick in the draft. There are a number of different ways they can use it to better the team. They just need to hope that by the time they’re on the clock, there are still some Reese’s Cups and Baby Ruth’s left in the bag.

Though things will undoubtedly change as teams trade picks and jockey for position, here are a few scenarios that could possibly play out that would make sense for the Raiders.

Next: Moving Back?