The NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, which means mock draft season is in full swing. Over the last few weeks, things are becoming “clearer” for the Raiders at No. 4.
Assuming Kyler Murray goes to Arizona and Nick Bosa to San Fransico, one of Josh Allen or Quinnen Williams are guaranteed to be on the board.
In Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft at The Athletic, that was the exact scenario that played out. Brugler had the Raiders select Williams at No.4, a common pick as of late.
But the most interesting selection in Brugler’s mock draft was at No. 24. He gave the Raiders tight end Noah Fant at the bottom of the first round. Take a look at his explanation for the pick:
The Raiders let Jared Cook walk (signed with New Orleans Saints) and currently have one of the least impressive tight end depth charts in the league. However, Fant would quickly change that and give the offense a dynamic inside threat to complement Antonio Brown and the outside weapons.
Fant is one of the most athletic tight ends we have seen enter the league in several years, running a 4.50 40-yard dash at 249 pounds. Combine that with his excellent quickness and explosion, and he has all the tools to be an All-Pro at the next level.
If Fant were to fall this far, this would be a fantastic replacement for Jared Cook. He would be able to ease into his role on the offense as the team has plenty of options at receiver early on. Don’t be surprised if Fant quickly establishes himself as one of the best tight ends in the league. Oakland would be thrilled to see him available this late in the first round.
