With the first round of the NFL Draft coming to a close, the Oakland Raiders will be back on the clock in a matter of hours.
Holding the 35th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the team will have a number of high-quality players available to them who could prove to be starters right away for the team.
Here are four names to remember for the Raiders’ pick in the second round:
CB Greedy Williams, LSU
At one point in the draft process, Williams was in consideration for the Raiders at pick No. 4. But after questions about his tackling ability arose, Williams fell out of the first round.
However, Oakland could be in a position to stop his fall at No. 35. Considering the team has addressed every position outside of cornerback on defense, Williams would make a fantastic fit opposite Gareon Conley.
Conley and Williams would give the team two of the most athletic corners in the league. Don’t be surprised if Greedy is one of the first players selected on Friday evening.
OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma
It’s no secret that the Raiders would like to come out of this draft with a starting-caliber guard. However, it would also be ideal if they could select a future guard who also has tackle experience.
One player that fits that mold is Ford. He started 21 games for the Sooners, 14 at right tackle and seven at left guard. Considering his size and power, he has the ability to play either spot in the NFL. Ford would give the Raiders an insurance policy for Kolton Miller, as well as another option in the interior.
Given their needs, this would be a home run selection for Oakland.
WR D.K. Metcalf, Mississippi
The Raiders have done a lot in free agency this offseason to improve their receiver room. But it’s hard to believe that a player like Metcalf could be available to them in the second round.
Metcalf has his flaws, but he has the ceiling to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. With elite speed and size, he could instantly become a downfield weapon to pair with Antonio Brown and Tyrell Wiliams. Eventually, he could replace Williams or even Brown if his development goes well.
Considering how much Gruden always has valued speed, he has to be considered a potential selection at No. 35.
QB Drew Lock, Missouri
Last but not least is Lock. In the first round, selecting a quarterback proved to be too expensive for the Raiders. However, in the second round, gambling on Lock might be worth a risk.
Lock has an incredible arm but needs some seasoning. If Oakland is willing to spend a second round pick on a player who could develop into starting level passer, this would make some sense. Expect Lock to be one of the first picks of the second round.
