Oakland Raiders: Six most logical targets with the tenth-overall pick

Marcus Davenport (DE – UTSA)

It seems a stretch to take Davenport so high. But, the feeling among most is that he’s a first round talent, and will be gone by the time the last pick of the round is called out. And given the dearth of talent on the edge, Gruden may just be crazy enough to pull the trigger and take Davenport.

At six-foot-six, 264 pounds, he’s got terrific size. He’s not going to get mauled by the tackles he faces. And with 4.5 speed, he’s quick enough to get around the corner and get to the quarterback.

He still needs some polish to his game, no question about it. But, he can step in and contribute right away. And given the chance to learn under Mack and Irvin – not to mention Guenther – his ceiling is sky-high.e

Irvin is 31 and is only under contract for two more seasons. But, next year, at 32 and with a cap hit of $9 million, it’s possible that if they took Davenport and bookended him with Mack – who hopefully isn’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future – the Raiders could have one of the most potent and fearsome pass rushes in the league.

Perhaps even more potent than J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney – at least, when they’re both healthy and on the field at the same time, anyway.

Some would see it as a stretch, but others might see it as a bold move. And, if it worked out and the Mack/Davenport tandem was wreaking havoc upon the league, we’d all have to see it as pretty brilliant.

It would be an intriguing addition, and – not saying it’s going to happen – but it’s something that just sort of feels like a Gruden-esque move.

Likelihood: 8/10