With three weeks to go until the NFL Draft, things are starting to become clearer for the Raiders in the first round. Over the last week, there has been quite the consensus at pick No. 4.
In ESPN’s latest mock draft with Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, both draft analysts gave the Raiders defensive tackle Quinnen Williams with their first pick. Here is the explanation from each regarding the pick:
Mel Kiper Jr: “Williams is the type of defensive playmaker Jon Gruden loves, and you have to think the Raiders coach would be thrilled if he made it to No. 4.”
Todd McShay: “Could the Raiders think about a quarterback here? Gruden got to see Drew Lock up close at the Senior Bowl. But let’s not forget that this team badly needs defensive-line help. Williams had 19.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season.”
It does appear that Williams is becoming the favorite to be picked by the Raiders at the top of the draft. While it’s true that Oakland needs more help off the edge, adding a player like Williams next to Maurice Hurst would give them quite the interior defensive front for years to come.
That move would instantly improve the state of the defense, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Williams became a Pro Bowl right away in Paul Guenther’s defense. He is arguably the best player in this class and would be a steal at pick No. 4.
At the end of the first round, both Kiper and McShay gave the Raiders’ running back Josh Jacobs, as well as a cornerback (Byron Murphy/DeAndre Baker.) Both of which feel like good possibilities for the Raiders at the tail end of the first round.
