One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Oakland Raiders this offseason will be what the team does with tight end Jared Cook. After a career year, Cook is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason. The Raiders have said repeatedly that they would like to have Cook back, but free agency can often lead players to look for greener pastures. It’s anything but certain that the veteran tight end returns for another season in the Silver and Black.
If Oakland decides not to retain Cook for whatever reason, they will undoubtedly be in the market for one during the draft. Fortunately for them, this class is loaded at the position with talent, especially at the back end of the first round.
In Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft at The Athletic, he has the Raiders selecting the draft’s top tight end in T.J. Hockenson from Iowa. But before we begin discussing that selection, take a look at the Raiders picks via Brugler in the first two rounds:
4. Oakland Raiders – Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago) – T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
27. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas) – Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
35. Oakland Raiders – Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
If the Raiders decide to go down this path of selecting Hockenson, they won’t be disappointed. He is one of the most well-rounded tight end prospects to come out in years and would be a fantastic weapon for Derek Carr. According to Pro Football Focus, no tight end in the Big 10 had a better passer rating when targeted than Hockenson in 2018. Not only is he one of the best receivers in this class, but he’s arguably the best blocking tight end as well. There isn’t much on the field he can’t do.
Grabbing a young and dynamic tight end in the backend of the first round makes a lot of sense for this Raiders’ team. In fact, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to select one even if the team does re-sign Cook on a short deal. The two can play together, and the Raiders could bring Hockenson along slowly. Expect Hockenson’s name to be mentioned frequently in connection with the Raiders in the back-end of the first round.
