Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the Oakland Raiders, I got together with Chase Ruttig of Just Blog Baby. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"Pass rush and wide receiver are the two most talked about needs for the Raiders. Luckily the blueprint to address these needs appears to be very simple as it is expected that general manager Reggie McKenzie will fill holes in these two positions with the first two Oakland picks in the draft. Any combination of the top wideouts or outside pass rushers would help the Raiders continue to get quality starters for the future as they look to finish the long rebuilding process they have been undertaking."
Just Blog Baby
2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The Raiders have had success finding between 3-5 starters in each of the drafts Reggie McKenzie has had a full set of picks to work with. Khalil Mack and Derek Carr get a ton of the headline, but the other starters the team has gotten from the draft in recent years has been crucial. From Gabe Jackson, Justin Ellis, TJ Carrie, Sio Moore, DJ Hayden and etc. the Raiders have filled a good portion of their depth chart with talent for the future. If they can do that again they will be closer to competing and have had a successful 2015 NFL Draft."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"Missing on the top two picks of the draft would be catastrophic for the Raiders. Getting Carr and Mack last year was huge for the franchise, to null that progress with a miss early in the draft where they need similar franchise players would slow down the progress of the roster immensely. McKenzie and the Raiders scouts need to make sure they get the best players possible when they are on the clock early in this year’s draft."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"The Raiders will take a pass rusher in the first round. Most mock drafts have the Raiders taking wide receiver first in the 2015 NFL Draft, but I think with the depth at the position that McKenzie will wait until Round 2 to make his move on a wideout. Taking the likes of Leonard Williams, Vic Beasley or Dante Fowler Jr. with the fourth overall pick before taking the best receiver available when one inevitably drops into the early second round."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"t looks like the Raiders may have a pretty straightforward draft this year, but one need general NFL fans may not be aware of for Oakland is middle linebacker. Curtis Lofton came in to replace Nick Roach, but without a future starter at the position the franchise can rely on longterm. Do not be surprised if the Raiders take an interior linebacker come the third round in a couple of weeks."
For full Raiders coverage, check out Just Blog Baby.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft