2012 Oakland Raiders Seven Round Mock Draft

**First round pick used in Carson Palmer trade**

**Second round pick traded to New England Patriots**

1. Third Round, 95th overall: Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia

The Raiders are under new management now, but there’s still gotta be something carried over from the previous regime. Actually, Bruce Irvin would not be a bad addition for them in the third round as they transition to the 3-4 defensively, as a guy who can rush the quarterback and get upfield with regularity. His downside is he may just be a one trick pony, but that may be all the Raiders need.

2. Fourth Round, 129th overall: Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama

Chapman would fill a dire need for the Raiders at the nose tackle position. You don’t often draft for need at this juncture, but the value fits and as the board has played out, this is a great selection. Chapman is an underrated guy who gets great leverage and knows how to clog gaps. He was a huge reason–literally–why the ‘Bama defense was so stout.

3. Fifth Round, 148th overall: James Hanna, TE, Oklahoma

This would almost be too typical of a Raiders pick, but here Hanna is and would fill another great need for the Raiders at tight end. They failed badly last year with the signing of Kevin Boss, so getting an extremely athletic kid with upside like James Hanna would be a great fit, especially in the fifth round. He has a ton of ability and could contribute early on.

4. Fifth Round, 168th overall: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE/OLB, Troy

The Raiders need to add some pass rushers to their new defensive alignment. I think they have some decent pieces in their linbacker group, but getting a guy like Massaquoi is a nice fit. He has the ability to get to the quarterback, and he might take some time to develop, but the tools are definitely there.

5. Sixth Round, 189th overall: Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State

The Raiders did trade for Mike Goodson, but I don’t think that will be enough to solve their power back situation. They have a ton of speed between Darren McFadden and Taiwan Jones, but getting a guy like Herron could be a very solid late-round addition as a powerful back. Herron’s not exactly a bruiser, but he has the build to grow into that role.