NFL Draft 32 for 32 - Oakland Raiders Outlook

March 28, 2019

Brandon Murchison's 2019 NFL Draft team previews moves on to the Oakland Raiders, a team that continues to be the talk of the NFL under Jon Gruden. What impact will the rookies drafted have on the fantasy values of this team?

What a difference a year makes for the Oakland Raiders. This time last year, the team was back under the control of Jon Gruden and we were all left wondering what would be in store for them. After several questionable moves later (dealing away Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper), the 2018 Raiders were an embarrassing team to watch. Whether it be real football or fantasy, this team just could not get the job as a scoring offense (28th with 18.1 PPG)

A year later and the fortunes of this team can go only one way, and that is up. The big move, of course, has been bringing in disgruntled receiver Antonio Brown into the fold. Couple that with the signing of Tyrell Williams and you have a brand new core of receivers looking to bring Derek Carr back to life. Carr, who finished last season as QB18 (278.25 FP), could be an intriguing option as a late rounder in seasonal drafts. But will most certainly be rostered in all 2QB/Superflex leagues.

Moving into the draft, the Raiders are littered with picks this year after the deals they made over the past 12 months. What to do when you have so many holes to fill? Rumors have them going after a QB in this class, but Gruden seems sold on Carr's ability. Will they bring back both Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin or go with one of the many rookie backs in this class? Myself, I believe they will dive into the RB pool at some point during the draft. But early on, look for them to fill holes elsewhere with the best player approach.

Top Three Projected Selections

First Round- Josh Allen, EDGE Kentucky (4th overall)
Devin Bush, LB Michigan (24th)
Justin Layne, CB Michigan State (27th)

Remaining Picks
Second Round- 35th
Fourth Round- 106th
Fifth Round- 140th
Seventh Round- 218th, 235th

Going with the best player available mentality, I am looking at the Raiders spending all three first rounders on improving a defense that ranked dead last in 2018 in points allowed (29.2 PPG). First up is the selection of the standout pass rusher Josh Allen. He has the elite size, speed, and explosiveness that makes him a tough matchup to slow down. He has the ability to put his hand to the ground and get off the ball or line up as a linebacker to get to the QB on the edge rush. He will immediately become the team's top option for sacks, making him a late-round value in IDP formats.

While Allen fills a need as a pass rusher, Devin Bush will fill a need as a run stopping three-down linebacker. He has the ability to get to the QB, but his true skills are that of a player that can go sideline to sideline to make plays. Some teams will look at Bush as undersized for the position, but his strength and skills should silence those concerns. He also plays with excellent patience to allow him to shed blockers to get to ball carriers in the backfield. He should be a player that figures right in for the Raiders starting group from day one.

Rounding out the group, the Raiders fill a need in the secondary with Justin Layne. A bump and run corner that plays aggressively against any type of receiver he is lined up against. Layne is not a burner by any stretch of the imagination, but any separation that he allows gets filled in quickly with plus closing speed. His excellent ball skills project out to make him a player that could potentially rack up a number of interceptions over the first few seasons in the league. With all of these additions in the first round, the Raiders defense should improve, but still will not be worthy of consideration in fantasy circles.

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