Mocking every pick for the Raiders in the upcoming NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is going to be here before you know it, so it is never too early to get to those mock drafts. I thought it would be fun to do a full seven-round mock draft with all the Raiders’ picks.
For this draft, I won’t be doing any trades. We can get to that fun stuff later down the line. For this simulation, I’ll be using The Draft Network to follow along with the draft.
Round 1 – Pick 17 – Christian Barmore (DL, Alabama)
2020 stats: 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles
As a 3-technique, Barmore has yet to become a full-time starter. Despite that, he already has a rock-solid and mature upper body that makes it hard for blockers to engage and stick against his frame. The Alabama interior defender possesses outstanding raw power combined with active, busy, and powerful hands that enable his frame to remain clean and disengage when desired. Even though he’s had limited reps, Barmore has proven to be excellent with executing swim/arm over moves that allow him to make plays behind the line or in his gap as a run defender.
Round 2 – Pick 49 – Teven Jenkins (OT, Oklahoma State)
Teven Jenkins experienced time at right guard, left tackle, and right tackle. With a bulk of his experience coming at right tackle, he blossomed during his final two seasons. Playing in the first eight games of the season, he elected to opt out after suffering what was reported as lower back issues. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound fifth-year senior offensive tackle is a top-heavy blocker that has experienced success in the team’s Air Raid offense. A quick setter that’s prone to take horizontal pass sets, he’s created a habit of establishing quick wins by striking his hands and controlling defenders.
Round 3 – Pick 80 – Chazz Surratt (LB, North Carolina)
2020 stats: 91 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 1 interception, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
He took another step forward in 2020, becoming more polished when it comes to coverage drops, pursuit angles, and tackling. Surratt is an exciting package of size, mobility, and physicality, but there are times studying his tape when you are reminded that he is still new to the position. Surratt will need to continue developing at the position and if he does, he has the makings of a starting pursuit-style linebacker that can make plays on every down.
Round 4 – Pick 122 – Ar’Darius Washington (S, TCU)
2020 stats: 37 tackles, 4 pass breakups
Ar’Darius Washington is a very physical player in all departments of his game. Possessing a fluid backpedal in zone coverage, he has a great eye for passing concepts and the exact plan of attack from offenses. His change of direction/hips are clean when transitioning in and out of his breaks. Washington can turn and run when asked to, even though the Horned Frogs incorporate lots of two-high and three-safety looks on the back end. Physicality as a run supporter shows up often and he’s often been able to save the day as the last line of defense. While not afforded opportunities to play it often except in the red zone, he’s shown to be adequate in man coverage, as he has the smoothness and athleticism to cover slot options. He’s got ball skills galore and he attacks the ball out of the air. He’s highly competitive at the catch point and many of his turnover opportunities have come from coverage awareness or following the eyes of throwers to take him to intended throwing locations.
Round 5 – Pick 163 – Jonathon Cooper (EDGE, Ohio State)
2020 stats: 24 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Cooper was one of the pass rush spark plugs for the Buckeyes defense this year and turned in quite an impressive year, showcasing speed to power, urgent hands, refined counters, and a persistent motor in pursuit. Cooper isn’t the most explosive, he isn’t the longest, and he isn’t the most powerful, but Cooper absolutely made the most of his decision to redshirt the 2019 season and return this year by becoming a more fluid and complete player. Cooper projects favorably as a designated pass rusher and in a system that features savvy stack linebackers behind him—perhaps even an NFL starter.
Round 7 – Pick 241 – CJ Verdell (RB, Oregon)
2020 stats: 285 yards, 4.4 YPC, 3 TD, 9 catches, 96 yards
CJ Verdell aligned at running back for Oregon’s spread offensive attack. He is a short but not “small” back who has a compact build. He is a violent, downhill runner who gets north and south in a hurry. He runs bigger than his size would suggest and does a good job finishing runs. He keeps his feet churning upon contact and runs with a low center of gravity. In the passing game, he is a threat out of the backfield and can make some things happen in space. He struggles in pass protection and will need to improve there to have a bigger role in the NFL.
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