Oakland Raiders Roundtable: Final seven-round mock draft
Isaac’s sixth round pick (#216): Tray Matthews, S
With the 216th pick in the draft, the team moves back to the defensive side of the ball. If Auburn safety, Tray Matthews is indeed still available, he should be the pick.
Matthews has a strong personality and is exactly the type of player you want in your locker room, even in a reserve role. He was a leader in the locker room during his time at Auburn.
His play also makes him a good value pick at this stage in the draft. He is a good run support safety and has the versatility to play both safety positions. Much like the previous offensive line selection, it is his versatility to fill multiple positions if needed that makes him a valuable depth player.
Kevin’s sixth round pick (#216): Nathan Shepard, DT
Shepherd has generated a little bit of buzz, which isn’t easy to do coming out of a small, DII school like Fort Hays State. But, at six-foot-three, 310 pounds, he has made a name for himself as a run-stopping defensive tackle who can push the pocket and get penetration – traits this Raiders defense needs badly.
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
He’s flashed some high level ability, but is still somewhat raw and most definitely needs to up the level of competition he’s faced thus far. But, scouts are quick to note that he is incredibly self-aware, can diagnose his weaknesses well, is an intense learner, loves the game, and is dedicated to improving his craft – traits Gruden wants out of his players.
It’s imperative that Oakland’s interior pass rush improve quickly, to give some help to the guys on the outside. Adding Maurice Hurst in the first round will help, but they need more. Which means that Nathan Shepherd could be a good fit.
Isaac’s sixth round pick (#217): Phillip Lindsay, RB
In what is the team’s fourth and final selection in the sixth round of the draft, the Oakland Raiders select running back Phillip Lindsay with the 217th overall pick.
The team currently has two very good running backs, Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin. Both are highly skilled and should be a quality duo coming out the backfield. If there is one thing we learned from the 2017 Super Bowl champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, it is that running back by committee is the way to go.
Adding Phillip Lindsay in the back of the draft can give them just that. Lindsay in an undersized back with good ability to catch passes out of the backfield and pick up blitzes, making him the ideal third down back to compliment Lynch and Martin.
Kevin’s sixth round pick (#217): Adam Breneman, TE
Having let go of Clive Walford, Oakland has but one true receiving tight end on the roster in Jared Cook. Both Lee Smith and Derek Carrier figure to get some significant time on the field, but it will be primarily in a blocking capacity.
After transferring from Penn State, Breneman became a highly productive target at UMass. Over his two years with the Minutemen, Breneman hauled in 134 passes for 1,572 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s got solid hands and is a reliable target.
At six-foot-five, 255 pounds, with 4.7 speed, Breneman has terrific athleticism and can be a solid, reliable target – especially down in the red zone. He would pair well with Cook and give the Raiders a pair of solid receiving tight ends.