Oakland Raiders 2017 In-season Mock Draft: Week 7

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Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Oakland Raiders emerge from the tunnel led by Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) before a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

After two years of deconstruction, the Oakland Raiders started rebuilding in 2014. They’ve drafted very well since then and one more good draft can put them over the top.

The Oakland Raiders are almost there now as they sit at 5-2 and in first place of the AFC West. I’m not sure how this season will shake out but I believe the Raiders will sneak into the playoffs. However, I do not yet see them as a Super Bowl contender yet.

For starters, this team is very young and need to taste that playoff defeat to learn what it takes. Many will point at the defense as the reason but defense won’t be a problem much longer. The secondary has already straightened out whatever the issues were.

Picking up Perry Riley as the MIKE of the defense will help against the run and tight ends. And let’s not forget that Mario Edwards Jr. and Aldon Smith are on the way provide a big boost. By the time we get to Week 12, the defense should be clicking on all cylinders.

There is a lot of talent on the Raiders roster but there are some parts the team can use. If they get them, it will take this Raiders team to the next level, making them perennial contenders. So we can’t call this draft the finishing touches to what they’ve been building.

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