5 draft needs for the Raiders and top options by round

We’re just four hours from the start of the NFL draft. And if you’re a Raiders fan and you’re not antsy, check your pulse. They have two picks tonight, and currently have another three on day two.

There are a couple needs that stand out above the rest. Then there are a few other positions which could use some attention as well.

Tonight they pick at No. 12 and No. 19. The consensus is they will take a wide receiver and a cornerback, most likely in that order. But as predictable as we like to think the draft can be, it only takes one team doing something unexpected to throw a wrench in everything that follows.

So, it’s best to cover all possible scenarios, including prospects the Raiders could get in a trade up or trade down scenario.

Let’s go through the Raiders’ needs in order of importance with the top five at that position to follow.

1. Wide receiver

Someone is needed to start opposite Tyrell Williams.

Top of First Round

1. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
2. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
3. Justin Jefferson, LSU
4. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

Bottom of First Round and Beyond

1. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona St
2. Denzel Mims, Baylor
3. Jalen Reagor, TCU
4. Tee Higgins, Clemson
5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado

2. Cornerback

Someone is needed to start opposite Trayvon Mullen.

Top of First Round

1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio St
2. CJ Henderson, Florida

Bottom of First Round and beyond

1. Kristian Fulton, LSU
2. AJ Terrell, Clemson
3. Jeff Gladney, TCU
4. Jaylon Johnson, Utah
5. Trevon Diggs, Alabama

3. Linebacker

A third starter is needed to go along with newly signed Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski.

Top of First Round

1. Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Bottom of First Round and beyond

1. Patrick Queen, LSU
2. Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
3. Zack Baun, Wisconsin
4. Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
5. Troy Dye, Oregon

4. Safety

Someone is needed to compete with Damarious Randall and Erik Harris for the starting free safety job alongside Johnathan Abram.

Bottom of First Round

1. Xavier McKinney, Alabama
2. Grant Delpit, LSU

Second Round and beyond

1. Ashtyn Davis, California
2. Kyle Dugger, Lenoir Rhyne
3. Antoine Winfield, Minnesota
4. Terrell Burgess, Utah
5. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

5. Running back

A complementary back is needed to go along with 2019 first-round pick Josh Jacobs.

Second Round

1. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
2. D’Andre Swift, Georgia
3. JK Dobbins, Ohio St
4. Cam Akers, Florida St
5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

Third Round and beyond

1. Zack Moss, Utah
2. Eno Benjamin, Arizona St
3. Anthony McFarland Jr, Maryland
4. AJ Dillon, Boston College
5. K’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt