Rich7sena's Officially Official 2018 Mock Draft

[Rich7sena]

10 - Denzel Ward, DB, Ohio State

I've vacillated between Ward and Vea throughout this late draft process and I've settled on Ward being the guy I want based on positional rarity and team need. There's a reason press man cornerbacks are routinely getting near the top guaranteed contracts every offseason, and it's because their only below quarterback, offensive tackle, pass rusher, in terms of importance and rarity. Ward has the best pure press man coverage ability in this draft with the added benefit of being a willing participant against the run.

After going back and watching some of the Raiders late seasons games in 2017, it was clear to me the deficiencies in the defensive backfield -- namely the cornerback unit -- stunted what both Ken Norton and John Pagano could call on defense. I envision Ward starting on the inside day one and challenging for a starting job in base (I think he's clearly better than Gareon Conley).

41 - Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

Although runningback isn't the most pressing need on the Raiders for the 2018 season, the team will have a great opportunity to add a dynamic playmaker in the second round of this draft. Ronald Jones and Rashaad Penny would be worthy consolation prizes to who I deem the best of the bunch after Saquon Barkley: Sony Michel. Although he's not the pass catching maestro Alvin Kamara proved to be in the NFL, he does share Kamara's burst, balance, and short area quickness. What really separates Michel from the rest of the second round group is his ability in pass protection where he's arguably best in class.

75 - Joseph Noteboom, OT, TCU

One of the positions I believe the Raiders need to address before the end of the second day is offensive tackle. Both a starter on the right side and depth for the group, overall, is essential for roster durability. I first noticed Noteboom at the Senior Bowl, where his technically sound kickstep and strong anchor stood out to me in practices. In games, Noteboom shows those same traits and doubled down on his in-game ability with an impressive showing at the combine. If Noteboom isn't there, consider Will Richardson from NC State and Geron Christian from Louisville.

110 - J’Mon Moore, WR, Missouri

Looking closely at the 4th round reveals a bevy of quality receiver prospects, including Boise State's Cedrick Wilson and Central Florida's Tre'Quan Smith, but the apple of my eye would be Missouri's J'Mon Moore. Although Moore only ran a handful of routes exclusively from the left side of Mizzou's offense, he has surprisingly advanced route technique and quickness for his height and build. I believe Moore would easily challenge for the third receiver spot and his abilities could be unleashed in the slot. My pro comparison for him is Davante Adams.

159 - Micah Kiser, LB, Virginia

Outside the first round, the linebacker position doesn't provide a whole lot of value, but the later round hold some two-down specialist gems. My favorite of these players is Virginia's Micah Kiser: a tackling juggernaught who shares some on field DNA with NaVorro Bowman. Although no one will mistake Kiser for a sideline to sideline heatseeker, he does have very good potential between the tackles, securing no less than 5 sacks in each of his staring seasons at Virginia. Other players who I'd be happy with at this spot include: Tegray Scales, Indiana; Mike McCray, Michigan; and Josey Jewell, Iowa.

173 - Trey Quinn, WR, SMU

Quinn is a guy who I first noticed a couple months ago while hosting the "Not Mock Draft" over on the main draft forum. While Courtland Sutton gets all the headlines, Quinn was the designated chain mover and security blanket for SMU's nameless signal caller. Quinn is a pure slot, but he has five star talent and pro route running chops. Doubling up on receiver is something I'd like for the Raiders to consider this weekend. Quinn adds a traditional underneath element previously supplied only by Washington and Richard.

185 - Hercules Mata’afa, DL, Washington State

The positionless Mata'afa is, if anything, a player who has a penchant for getting into the backfield. I reminds be a bit of John Simon, woh similarly had to transition to the perimeter because of size.

212 - Taron Johnson, DB, Weber State

There isn't a whole lot out there on Taron Johnson, but he was good enough to start for the North Team in the Senior Bowl. Physically, he's short armed but a balanced athlete who should push the veterans signed this offseason.

216 - Joseph Davidson, P, Bowling Green

Raiders need a punter. This guy is good(?).

217 - John Atkins, NT, Georgia

When writing about Roquan Smith, I'll often cite how Georgia's offensive line kept him clean. John Akins was one of the guys who did Smith's laundry. He's a nose tackle who might develop into something of a Justin Ellis, himself.

228 - Jordan Akins, TE, UCF

He's a of an older player, but there is some polish to his receiving ability. If he makes the team, I could see him make some splash plays sometime in his career ala Mychal Rivera.

[RaidersAreOne]

Any draft with Ward is A+ in my books.

[daineraider]

I dont mind the players in your mock, but I do mind the positions a bit.  I would prefer to address the DL earlier.  I think we struggle again if we can get Mack some help on the line.  We need a DE or DT that can get some pressure.  That being said if the draft works out this way I wont be too upset.

[Frankie2Gunz]

49 minutes ago, RaidersAreOne said:

Any draft with Ward is A+ in my books.

I agree.  If we get Ward at 10 we should all be very happy for all the reasons Rich points out.

I can't comment any any of the other picks after round 2, they depend who else is on the board.  Michel looks to be a good change of pace back, something this team hasn't had in years.  I don't feel that a change of pace RB is a true priory for this team in the 2nd.  It would depend on what DT's and OT's are still on the board.  I would also value WR over a change of pace back with our current roster.  

My dream scenario would be Ward in the first and Bryan/Hurst/LVE in the 2nd.  I'm sure all 3 will be gone by the time we pick but one can dream.  

[Humble_Beast]

I don't like going cheap at OT. I'll rather draft a blue chip in the first rather than a guy in the 3rd

[MrOaktown_56]

1 hour ago, Humble_Beast said:

I don't like going cheap at OT. I'll rather draft a blue chip in the first rather than a guy in the 3rd

There's no blue chip in this class, that's a guarantee.

[Rich7sena]

8 hours ago, daineraider said:

I dont mind the players in your mock, but I do mind the positions a bit.  I would prefer to address the DL earlier.  I think we struggle again if we can get Mack some help on the line.  We need a DE or DT that can get some pressure.  That being said if the draft works out this way I wont be too upset.

I went after positions of depth in each round -- that's why you'll notice I listed other players who I'd also take if my chosen player was gone. I think the best way the Raiders can get the most out of this draft is to target each round's depth and plan accordingly. This draft is weak on both the defensive edge and interior so I didn't force it.

7 hours ago, Frankie2Gunz said:

I agree.  If we get Ward at 10 we should all be very happy for all the reasons Rich points out.

I can't comment any any of the other picks after round 2, they depend who else is on the board.  Michel looks to be a good change of pace back, something this team hasn't had in years.  I don't feel that a change of pace RB is a true priory for this team in the 2nd.  It would depend on what DT's and OT's are still on the board.  I would also value WR over a change of pace back with our current roster.  

My dream scenario would be Ward in the first and Bryan/Hurst/LVE in the 2nd.  I'm sure all 3 will be gone by the time we pick but one can dream.  

Each round I tried to intermix need with positional depth in each round. Michel might not be there in the second, but at least one of Michel, Jones, and/or Penny will. Michel was just my first choice. Similarly, in round two, Noteboom is my first choice, but I wouldn't mind Richardson or Christian, either. And so on.

I do not see a realistic path for any of the 3 players you listed on defense becoming available in the 2nd (based on mocks and who's reported to go where), outside of maybe Hurst because of health.

5 hours ago, Humble_Beast said:

I don't like going cheap at OT. I'll rather draft a blue chip in the first rather than a guy in the 3rd

There isn't a blue chip offensive tackle this year. I believe McGlinchey is the closest, but without a trade back I wouldn't eschew a true blue chip corner for a good but not great tackle prospect. Noteboom is better than any tackle not named Donald Penn on the roster. You should watch him.

[Bitty 2.0]

On his GM Street podcast, The Ringer's Mike Lombardi suggested Georgia RB Sony Michel could slip in the draft for medical reasons.

"There's a lot of teams telling me there's a medical concern here, so he could slip a little bit," said Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive who most recently worked for the Patriots. "His medical grade is a little iffy." Lombardi admitted he doesn't know exactly what the medical issue is. On tape, Michel is arguably the second-best running back in this class behind only Saquon Barkley.

[Bitty 2.0]

 This is why I’ve been banging the drum to draft an OT early.

 Penn is 35 and probably going to miss the entire off-season in a new office due to injury.

https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/3/30/17182886/donald-penn-could-miss-raiders-entire-offseason-program-rehabbing-foot-injury

[big_palooka]

If Ward falls to 10, that's a no brainer.

I strongly support RB in round 2 and Sony is a favorite of mine. 

Noteboom... he's not a starter IMO. He's not strong enough at the POA. He's got a lot of work to do and I wouldn't reach on him before round 4 (even though I'm sure a team will). He has massive upside if he can get stronger.

WR picks - Moore, awesome upside pick. Needs to be coached up, but ton of talent in the 4th. Quinn.... JAG, but could be an efficient slot WR in the NFL.

 

 

[SBXISBXVSBXVIII]

7 hours ago, Humble_Beast said:

I don't like going cheap at OT. I'll rather draft a blue chip in the first rather than a guy in the 3rd

Yet your mock doesn't have an OT taken until the 3rd pick of the 6th round

[Humble_Beast]

1 hour ago, SBXISBXVSBXVIII said:

Yet your mock doesn't have an OT taken until the 3rd pick of the 6th round

if you read carefully I projected be the year to draft a OT. this class is yuck

[MrOaktown_56]

You guys don't think Ward can be handsy? That scares me.

[TiberiusRising]

Nice work.