As we saw in 2019, the Raiders under Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden aren’t afraid to take some risks early in the draft. By many accounts, Clelin Ferrell was the shock of the draft as the Raiders selected him at No. 4 over the likes of fellow defenders Josh Allen and Ed Oliver.
With the Raiders have two selections inside of the top-20 this season, they could likely stun us again in the first round. But to prepare for any possible surprises, here are five players who could be sleeper picks for the Raiders in the first round.
1. LSU DE K’Lavon Chaisson
Despite the Raiders selecting two defensive ends in the 2019 draft, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them go in that direction again. With new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, he’s always had one super athletic, bendy edge rusher on the right side. If the Raiders can’t sign someone like Robert Quinn in free agency, they might look to the draft to find that player.
One of the few players in this class that fits that mold is LSU’s K’lavon Chaisson. While the sack numbers weren’t fantastic in 2019 (6.5), he’s an ascending player whose bests games game at the end of the season.
At just 20-years old, Chaisson is still raw as a prospect. However, there just aren’t many players with his size and moment skills. Don’t be surprised if Chaisson dominates the NFL Combine and winds up being a top-12 selection in April’s draft.
2. LSU FS Grant Delpit
With former first-round pick Karl Joseph set to hit free agency, the Raiders could need to add another safety either in the draft or free agency. The team is expected to get back Johnathan Abram, who missed most of last season with a torn labrum. And with Lamarcus Joyner struggling in his first season with the Raiders, it wouldn’t be that surprising for the team to grab a talented safety early.
A player such as Grant Delpit would make a lot of sense for the Raiders, should he be available at pick No. 19. Delpit is a true free safety that would pair well with Abram in the box. Over the last two seasons at LSU, Delpit recorded seven interceptions, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. By every sense of the word, he is a playmaker who knows how to find the football.
Given Delpit’s college production and the potential fit with Abram, he is certainly someone you can’t rule out the Raiders grabbing sometime in the first round.
3. South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw
The Raiders have a ton of defensive tackle depth entering the 2020 offseason. Third-year players Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall both improved on their rookie seasons, and the team re-signed veteran Johnathan Hankins to help stop the run.
However, what they lack inside is an incredibly athletic defender who can disrupt plays with his quickness and length. Arguably the best defensive tackle in this class is Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina, who many are comparing to Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs.
At 6’6, 315 pounds, Kinlaw is one of the most athletic defensive tackles in the class. However, he is still somewhat raw of a prospect and will need a significant amount of coaching for him. But the fit with Rod Marinelli and their defensive line talent would be ideal. Don’t be surprised if this is a player the coaching staff falls in love with over the next few months.
4. Clemson WR Tee Higgins
If there is one thing we learned about Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden in the 2019 NFL Draft, it’s that they love selecting players from big-time schools. In Mayock’s first draft as the general manager, he selected three Clemson Tigers in Clelin Ferrell, Trayvon Mullen, and Hunter Renfrow. Considering how well those three players performed as rookies, it wouldn’t be surprising if they went back to the well once again season.
If the Raiders don’t address their wide receiver need with CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy, one name to keep an eye on is Clemson’s Tee Higgins. After back-to-back dominant seasons for the Tigers, the 6’4, 215-pound receiver declared for the NFL Draft.
Higgins is one of the best deep threat receivers in this class with his ability to track the ball down the field. While he might not have elite speed, he is a long-strider that can be difficult for smaller defenders to cover. He might not be the best overall receiver, but he could be a perfect fit in Jon Gruden’s West Coast offense.
5. Minnesota DB Antonie Winfield Jr.
Do you want a really out-of-no-where selection? Look no further than Minnesota defensive back Antonie Winfield Jr. The Raiders want to add defensive backs that can create turnovers, and that’s precisely where Winfield thrives. In 2019, Winfield intercepted seven passes, forced two fumbles, and added three sacks.
The NFL bloodlines are certainly intriguing, and the Raiders might not be able to resist his play-making ability despite his smaller stature. Keep an eye on Winfield Jr. as a potential riser over the next few months.
