With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Top Team Needs for the Oakland Raiders

By Jon Dove

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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Jon Gruden is back with the Oakland Raiders and looking to use the 2018 NFL Draft to fill the last of his team needs.

It’s been a long time since Jon Gruden was roaming the sidelines for the Oakland Raiders. His return has sparked a ton of optimism which now puts a lot of pressure on them to nail the 2018 NFL Draft.

Oakland has plenty of talent on their roster, but there are also several glaring holes. They need to address these issues if they hope to compete in the AFC West.

Below are the Oakland Raiders top team needs as we head towards the 2018 NFL Draft:

1. Cornerback

Oakland’s cornerback group is a major question mark at this point. They are counting on 2-year man Gareon Conley to rebuild from what was a lost rookie season. Oakland is also looking for Rashaan Melvin to repeat the success he had last year.

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The Raiders find themselves in an awkward spot at pick No. 10 overall. Ohio State’s Denzel Ward should be off the board by then and it might be a little early to select someone like Louisville’s Jaire Alexander.

They could reach for someone at No. 10 or look to address this position later in the draft.

2. Linebacker

Tahir Whitehead was brought to man the middle linebacker spot, but the rest of the linebacker corps needs help. Bruce Irvin will start at one of the outside spots but his ability as a pass rusher shifts his role.

Oakland is one of several teams to watch for the top two linebacker prospects Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds and Georgia’s Roquan Smith.

3. Wide Receiver

Jordy Nelson was the team’s big free agent signee, but it’s unclear how much he has left in the tank. The Raiders other top receiving threat is the highly inconsistent Amari Cooper. Behind those two is Seth Roberts.

Basically, this group lacks depth and stability. Oakland needs to add another pass-catching threat if they want Derek Carr to continue his development.

4. Defensive Tackle

Justin Ellis and Eddie Vanderdoes are locked in as the starting defensive tackles. The problem comes behind those two where Oakland lacks depth. They should target addressing this position in the later parts of the draft.

5. Offensive Tackle

The Raiders are set at left tackle for a least another year with Donald Penn. However, he is coming to the end of his career and a long-term replacement isn’t on the roster. The Raiders could also use an upgrade at right tackle where Vadal Alexander and Breno Giacomini are average at best.

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