Throughout the offseason, we have discussed numerous prospects at pick No. 4 for the Raiders. While that list has seemingly shrunk over the past few months, there are still quite a few players that could be considered.
Today, we are going to look at five potential picks for the Raiders at No. 4 and we will make the case for each player. Without further ado, let’s dive into the possible selections for the Raiders.
EDGE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
At the very top of the Raiders wish-list at No. 4 would be Ohio State’s Nick Bosa. Bosa is a young, athletic and productive pass-rusher who comes from a big-time program and has a strong bloodline. For most of the draft season, Bosa has been considered the top player in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Bosa has the ability to play on either left or the right side and the versatility to play in any defensive front. He is unlikely to be available at pick No. 4, but if he were to fall, he would immediately upgrade the Raiders’ defense in a significant way.
EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky
Of the top two edge rushers, Kentucky’s Josh Allen is the most likely one to be available at pick No. 4 for the Raiders. The 2018 SEC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 21.5 tackles for a loss and 17 sacks for Kentucky last season.
One of the best parts of Allen’s game is his versatility. He has experience in coverage and does well playing in space. He needs to refine his pass-rushing technique, but he would instantly be the team’s best edge rusher in 2019. Allen would be a no-brainer pick for Oakland in the first round.
DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama
Quinnen Williams has quickly become the consensus pick for the Raiders at No. 4 as Bosa and Allen are off the board. While the Raiders may not need a defensive tackle right away, it’s tough to ignore just how dominant Williams was last season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams finished the year as the best player in college football, recording 26 sacks/quarterback hits in 2018:
Pairing Williams with Maurice Hurst will give the Raiders one of the best interior defensive lines in all of football. Selecting Williams at No. 4 would be a slam-dunk pick, despite not having a big need at the position.
DT Ed Oliver, Houston
One player that can’t be ruled out at No. 4 is Houston’s Ed Oliver. Over the offseason, both Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have spoken about the importance of interior pressure. And if Williams is off the board, Oliver would be an intriguing fit in Paul Guenther’s defense.
Oliver is quite a bit smaller than Quinnen Williams, but he would give the Raiders more quickness and speed at the position. With Maurice Hurst, Jonathan Hankins and P.J. Hall already on the roster, you can make the case that he is a better fit than Williams. Oliver has the upside to be an Aaron Donald-type of player and is worthy of top-five consideration.
LB Devin White, LSU
One under-the-radar name that can’t be ruled out for the Raiders is linebacker Devin White. Highly regarded as the top linebacker in this year’s class, White was dominant at LSU last season. He tallied 123 total tackles to go along with 12 tackles for a loss as he was named the Dick Butkus Award Winner.
White doesn’t fill a need on the defensive line for the Raiders, but he does give them some long-term stability at the linebacker position. With the 2019 NFL Draft lacking linebacker depth, the Raiders could look to grab White at No. 4 and then add to the defensive line later in the draft.
Don’t rule out White as a possible selection for the Raiders with their first pick.
