Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft: Las Vegas lands two star receivers
By Allen Settle
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
This feels like the perfect player at the perfect spot. While some have projected Evan Weaver an early fourth-round pick, reaching for him in the late third would ensure the Raiders address their need at middle linebacker.
If the team implements the aforementioned strategy of adding a quarterback in free agency and receivers with the two first-rounders, adding defensive difference-makers in the latter portion of the draft will be key.
Weaver seems well-equipped to be a tackling machine in the NFL. While the lacks the athleticism to be effective in coverage situations, his football IQ and ability to pursue the ball carrier will be a tremendous asset to any run defense.
He should be a starting-caliber linebacker for many years.
While free agency may represent the best option for a starting quarterback, there is no reason for the Raiders to completely punt on the position.
Jordan Love is cut from the same cloth as modern quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray. While his upside is certainly lower, he does provides a valuable combination of running and athleticism.
His decision making and recognition skills are poor. However, the Raiders happen to have the former host of a QB scouting series on ESPN as their head coach.
At this point in the draft, Love would be a good long-term gamble.
The Raiders would be wise to use their final selection on another player to bolster their line-backing core. Darrell Taylor has solid athleticism that should translate well to the professional level.
He has also shown good skills as a pass rusher. His vision and aggressiveness need to be improved, but he could become a serviceable NFL player.
Which college players would you like to see the Raiders add to their roster?