RAIDERS 2017 Team Mock Draft

April 27, 2017

A RB named LYNCH is in the house and I am ready to do one last Mock for Alternative America’s Team. With a healthy DEREK CARR at the helm another good Draft from the McKenzie twins would almost certainly make this team a serious Super Bowl contender in 2017. So let’s help those guys do some talent adding to their roster.

Round1 Pick24 CURTIS SAMUEL/WR/RB/RS OHIO STATE 5’11/196. PPR#26
In loving memory of AL DAVIS the team selects a guy who ran a 4.31/40 at the Combine and can actually play big time football. He’s an explosive, multi-dimensional player who might have actually played some time at RB for them if LYNCH were not now there along with some other explosive young guys. But he can augment a WR group and spice up the return game for the Raiders. He caught 74 balls last season for the Buckeyes, which included 11 TD. Good thing in his favor is that he has not carried a heavy load for their offense over his college career, meaning he should be fresh for the NFL wars. His 9 1/2″ hands are enticing when compared to some small handed pass catchers. Her’s a very dangerous threat on counter plays and reverses. Mark him down as an instant impact addition.

Round2 Pick46 KEVIN KING/CB WASHINGTON 6’3/200. PPR#49
He’s available here in my rankings and they will grab him in a flash. Good cover corner who can run with just about anyone. Is adept at peaking at the last minute and using his 32″ arms to break up a catch. Not a real big Pick guy, he seems to prefer to make sure he breaks up the catch rather than gamble on an INT. Had 2 INT, but also 13 PBU in 2016. His 4.46/40 time is a bit deceiving. With his long frame it takes him a while to reach top speed. He should be an instant starter for his new team.

Round3 Pick88 TYUS BOWSER/OLB HOUSTON 6’3/247. PPR#89
Had BOWSER stayed healthy for the entire 2016 I doubt he would have been available in Round 3. He missed 5 games with a broken orbital bone around his eye. In 7 games he had 47T- 12TFL- 8.5S- 9QBH- 3PBU. Very good athlete who played some mean basketball in high school.Has long arms (33″) & big hands (10 3/8″). Looks to me like a potential starter at OLB for the Raiders. More than held his own during practices at the Senior Bowl. Look for him to get more and more playing time as his Rookie season progresses.

Round4 Pick129 EDDIE VANDERDOES/DT UCLA 6’3/305 PPR#126
This kid was all everything coming out of high school and started as a frosh for the Bruins. Missed most of 2015 season with a bad knee injury. Came back slowly in 2016, in part because he ballooned up to about 330 lbs. He plays low and just pushes blockers around. He also showed how heavy handed he is during bag work drills during Senior Bowl practices. His hands are weapons that he uses against blockers. His potential is high, but he will need motivational coaching. I think it is a real positive that he had his weight down to 305 lbs, for the Combine. Will tie up two blockers on most plays. This pick is based on potential upside more than recent productivity.

Round5 Pick168 FREDDIE STEVENSON/FB FLORIDA STATE 6’0/236. PPR#147
the Raiders are one of the few teams in the league that still consider the FB an integral part of their offense. But those guys are harder and harder to find nowadays. STEVENSON is more than just a blocker. He has above average hands and is a hard, straight-line runner. On the rare occasions when he got the ball in college he reminded me of former Seminole KARLOS WILLIAMS on the playing field. Luckily he does not seem to have WILLIAMS’ off-field issues. He would also make a very solid Special Teams player. He would make an interesting pick, with solid long range potential IMO.

Round6 Pick158 XAVIER WOODS/S LA TECH 5’11/200. PPR#216
This guy was a scouts’ favorite going into the Draft. Tough nosed kid who plays stronger and tougher than his size would indicate. A four year starter. His 2016 stats are very impressive: 89T- 6.5TFL- 6PBU- 5 INT. Loves to come up in run support and can cover most slot receivers. His 4.54/40 time is more than adequate for his probable role as a pro. Special Teams? You bet! Great value at this Pick.

Round7 Pick242 CAMERON TOM/OC SOUTHERN MISS 6’4/291. PPR#247
When you come from the WOLF/THOMPSON school of scouting & drafting like GM Reggie McKenzie does, you feel obligated to draft an OL prospect each year. But don’t for a minute think this is a throw away Pick. TOM may be one of the best pure athletes in the OL group for this Draft. Finished his career with 47 straight starts. Very fluid with great body flexibility. Is naturally strong, but they will try to add about 10-15 lbs. to his frame in the weight room. Has long, 33 5/8″ arms, and uses his hands well to leverage defenders. With more bulk and strength this guy could be an NFL starter someday. Reggie’s mentors would be especially proud of this pick.

A solid talent haul with one eye on today and the other on the future. This kind of solid, start rafting keeps your roster strong enough and deep enough to push toward the Super Bowl.

Pigskin