Oakland Raiders: Go defense heavy in initial seven-round mock draft

The Raiders most definitely need a pass rushing threat on the outside to pair with All-World everything, Khalil Mack. They need a viable threat to help cut down on the double and triple teams Mack routinely faces.

The lack of a dominant – or even competent – pass rush over the last few seasons has hamstrung this defense as a whole. Perhaps – just perhaps – had the Raiders been able to put consistent and sustained pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the secondary might not have gotten burned as badly as California during fire season.

While they absolutely need to address the interior of that line as well – allowing Justin Ellis to walk and re-signing Denico Autry would be a good start – they should also be looking to add some young, explosive talent.

Edge rusher Marcus Davenport would seem to fit that bill nicely.

At six-foot-seven, 255 pounds, the University of Texas-San Antonio product has been getting a ton of buzz lately. And with good reason.

Over his four seasons at the UTSA, Davenport has been incredibly productive, notching 185 total tackles (95 solo), 37.5 tackles for a loss, 21.5 sacks, eight passes defensed, two fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown), and six forced fumbles.

There’s definitely an element of risk involved with taking a small school product. Let’s face it, Conference USA isn’t exactly bursting at the seams with next level talent. But, with the right coaching, his length, speed, and freakish athleticism should help him transition to the next level and be impactful. He’ll simply be too good for McKenzie and Gruden to pass up.

The sight of Davenport on one side and Mack on the other would likely give offensive coordinators nightmares. They upgrade their pass rush big time, with this pick.