There always seems to be movement up and down on draft night, and this year it wouldn't surprise me if the Raiders did something wild like trade Derek Carr and draft Kyler Murray, after all they traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. Imagine that as a parting blow to the city of Oakland? Kyler Murray shuns the Oakland A's and the MLB for the departing Oakland Raiders and the NFL.
With that in mind, here is how I have the first twelve picks falling:
1 - Quinnen Williams, DT, Cardinals; 2 - Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers; 3 - Jonah Williams, OT, Jets; 4 - Kyler Murray, QB, Raiders; 5 - Josh Allen, DE/OLB, Buccaneers; 6 - Dwyane Haskins, QB, Giants; 7 - Ed Oliver, DT, Jaguars; 8 - Clelin Ferrell, DE, Lions; 9 - Greg Little, OT, Bills; 10 - Drew Lock, QB, Broncos; 11 - Jawaan Taylor, OT, Bengals; 12 - Rashan Gray, DE, Packers
So who would I take if this scenario occurs?
1. Devin White, LB: We have a dire need for a stud linebacker and Devin White is the highlight of this year's class. I'm not convinced he will fall to us, but if he does we shouldn't hesitate in handing in our card with his name on. He could be a clear difference maker on the defensive side of the ball.
2. Greedy Williams, CB: Another player I'm not convinced will fall out of the top ten, but if there is a rush on QBs that could end up being the case. Now we do have an excellent young CB in Xavien Howard, imagine pairing Greedy Williams with him? In a division that still features Tom Brady, and young two rising quarterbacks, having a pair of stud corners could help boost our defense. If we went with Williams, I'd utilise Minkah at safety.
3. Montez Sweat, DE: A more realistic option to be available when we draft is Montez Sweat. I like his production in the SEC, and he has the athleticism and size to be a potentially really good pass rusher. We have a clear need on the defensive line with Robert Quinn and Andre Branch being potential cap casualties, and even if they stay, there's the possibility that Cameron Wake leaves in free agency. Plus even if Wake stays, he's 36 years old and approaching the end of his career. So we need to add some youth to our defensive line.
4. Cody Ford, OG/OT: Not a sexy draft pick, but this guy has a ton of quality and upside. Some project him to remain as a tackle in the NFL, so he could be our new starting right tackle if we decide to move on from Ja'Wuan James. Alternatively some believe he'll be a guard in the NFL, so that could help us upgrade our interior. Either way, this kid could be an excellent pick for us and help solidify our questionable OL.