The Oakland Raiders had a disappointing season, but showed signs of promise at the end of the year after an 0-10 start. This young team seems to be headed in the right direction, and the front office is looking to add the pieces necessary to get Oakland back to the postseason. Here are the players they’ve targeted in the first round of the NFL Draft to make that happen:
WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
Cooper is an explosive, dynamic player who has the talent to be the NFL’s next great wide receiver. He may not have the size of guys like Calvin Johnson, but he compensates with world-class technique and field vision. Cooper fills a major need for the Raiders, and would give Derek Carr a legitimate No. 1 receiver.
Some scouts and mock drafts have West Virginia wideout Kevin White as the top receiver going No. 4 overall to Oakland, but Cooper is a much more polished product who has proven he can produce at a high level against the best competition.
MORE: Amari Cooper To The Raiders? Examining The Pros And Cons
DT Leonard Williams, USC
Williams is projected to go No. 2 overall to the Tennessee Titans, but if he falls to them, the Raiders are unlikely to pass on a player who scouts have compared to J.J. Watt. Williams plays in the 3-4 at USC, but he played in the 4-3 as a freshman and has the versatility to excel anywhere on the line.
MORE: Leonard Williams To The Raiders? Weighing The Pros & Cons
DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Gregory is an absolute monster when rushing the passer, but he’s also solid against the run and consistently gets into the backfield. Oakland has Williams higher on the draft board, but Gregory is their backup option since Williams probably won't be on the board. Oakland’s 4-3 defense is similar to what the Huskers run in Nebraska, and Gregory would be productive right away.
Follow our Oakland Raiders team page for all the latest Raiders news and rumors!
Back to the Las Vegas Raiders Newsfeed