Oakland Raiders Roundtable: Final seven-round mock draft

Isaac’s seventh round pick (#228): Matthew Thomas, LB

With the final pick the team possesses, the team goes with linebacker Matthew Thomas. Thomas is a project player with little more than athletic potential.

Thomas went through many off the field issues in his time at Florida State leading him to miss many games. In the time he was on the field he was one of the more productive players on the team’s defense.

As an NFL prospect he is most useful as a special teams player, given his great speed for the position. It is possible that with some grooming Thomas can find time on the field as a backup outside linebacker, but that is not an overly likely scenario. With some coaching it is still possible though.

Kevin’s seventh round pick (#228): Johnny Townsend, P

It’s not all that often teams will expend draft capital on punters, most of them preferring to add the specialists as UDFA’s. But, with the team having parted ways with Marquette King, the Raiders find themselves in need of one. Or, at least somebody to compete with Colby Wadman for the spot.

With Gruden’s emphasis on improving special teams coverage, the team might not need somebody with the biggest leg ever, but it would be a bonus. And they might just get that in former Gator Johnny Townsend.

Next: 49ers: Final seven round mock draft

Over his last two seasons with Florida, Townsend averaged better than 47 yards a kick. That kind of leg, combined with better coverage, will make the Raiders much more dangerous on special teams.