Now that the NFL Combine is over, mock draft season will be in full swing as the rumors from the week in Indianapolis leak out. Fortunately for Raiders fans, this may be the most exciting time of the year as the team possesses four picks inside of the top-35.
Assuming the team doesn’t trade one of their picks for disgrunted receiver Antonio Brown, they should be able to use those selections to rebuild their defense.
In Matt Miller’s latest mock draft at Bleacher Report, the Raiders did just that. Miller gave the Raiders three highly-rated defenders, two of which play in the secondary. Take a look at his three picks for the Raiders:
No.4: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
No.24: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
No.27: Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Josh Allen dominated the NFL Combine and showed why he is considered a lock to be a top-five pick in this class. He could come in right away and start at multiple positions in Paul Guenther’s defense. Expect him to be on the short list of players for the Raiders to consider at No.4.
Cornerback Byron Murphy didn’t have a great combine, but his college resume speaks for itself. Considering his ability to play in the slot and outside, he would be a perfect complement to third-year corner Gareon Conley.
And last, but not least is safety Jonathan Abram from Mississippi State. Like Karl Joseph, Abram is a big hitter who flies to the football. Paring him and Joseph would give the Raiders two of the most physical safeties in the entire league.
Overall, this is one of the best mock drafts we have seen this season for the Raiders. All three players would be instant starters and would help rebuild the depth of this defense.
