Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft: Las Vegas adds two Oklahoma superstars
By Allen Settle
Round 3, 80th Overall: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
How’s this for a third-round splash?
While many fans will be locked-in to seeing how the team utilizes their top two picks, the Raiders have a great opportunity to add major talent in the third round. What better way to kick things off than by taking a chance on developing a player like Jalen Hurts.
The Raiders seem to be confident enough in incumbent starter Derek Carr to move forward with him as their signal-caller.
However, offseason speculation about the team signing a top free agent like Tom Brady, coupled with a rather lucrative contract given to former second overall pick Marcus Mariota seem to indicate that the team may not be sold on Carr as a long-term option.
While Hurts does not bring the same level of excitement as Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, or Justin Herbert, he is still an exceptional player with an interesting skill set. The star found success as the leader of two of the biggest collegiate programs in the country in Alabama and Oklahoma.
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He also steadily improved as a player during his amateur career. His decision making and ability to go through his progression are weaknesses. However, what he lacks in feel for the game, he makes up for in athleticism.
Hurts has an NFL caliber arm. He can make all of the throws from a variety of different angles. He also has good accuracy, particularly on short and intermediate passes. While he lacks the touch of a player like Drew Brees, he can get the ball where it needs to go.
Hurts’ best asset is his ability to move in space. While some have gone as far as to suggest that he would be better suited as a receiver or skill position player, Hurts has rightfully been outspoken about his position.
He is a quarterback. And he should be. Anything else would be disrespectful to his arm talent and college pedigree.
This selection would allow the Raiders to groom Hurts while allowing Carr and Mariota to take the reign in 2020. As an added bonus, this mock would also pair him with his favorite target in CeeDee Lamb.