During the 2013 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders will address their long list of needs and it starts with the third pick overall pick.
Oakland averaged just 344.0 total yards ranking 18th in the NFL and worse was getting points on the board this time ranking 26th. On defense it wasn’t much better at no.18 in terms of yards per game, no.28 in scoring defense and no.20 against the pass.
There’s two options at this point for the Raiders either trade down or stay at three. If that does happen here’s a look at the five best options for the team.
Dion Jordan OLB, Oregon
Jordan provides the Raiders an aggressive pass rusher and will help out Phillip Wheeler if he is re-signed. Miles Buress has disappointed and is still young. Ronaldo McClain will get released and is a first round bust.
At the combine Jordan showed off 20 pounds of muscle at the NFL combine and only had a body fat percentage of 3.8. What might hurt him from being taken is that he’s dealt with injuries throughout his career while at Oregon and is schedule to undergo shoulder surgery.
He makes a lot of sense for the Raiders as he provides athleticism and showcased he was willing to put on the necessary weight to make an immediate impact as a pro.
Geno Smith QB, West Virginia
Is arguably the best quarterback in the draft class, yet isn’t extraordinary. With a question mark at quarterback and out of necessity the Raiders maybe inclined to take him at this spot.
Current starter Carson Palmer will turn 34 during this upcoming season and the only other option is third-year backup Terrelle Pryor who has hardly played. He will get the opportunity to compete for the role of starter, yet likely isn’t the long-term solution.
Palmer might get released if unwilling to renegotiate his contract, which opens the opportunity for drafting Smith.
During the 2012 season at West Virgina Smith threw for 42 touchdowns while being intercepted only six times. He is one of the few quarterbacks in the draft that will get taken in the first round. He’ll have to learn a pro-style offense at the NFL level and with time will develop into a solid leader.
Sharif Floyd DT Florida
Veteran Richard Seymour is gone and Desmond Bryant is as well. Tommy Kelly is usually more focused on hurting an opponent’s quarterback then putting out an effort on every play.
Floyd had an outstanding junior season with the Gators and showed off his versatility. He registered 46 tackles with 13 for a loss, had three sacks, forced a fumble and blocked two kicks. Gives the Raiders size up front to stop the run.
He also has initial quickness with step-and-punch explosion. Slightly stiff ankles to COD (change of direction), yet hustles, has the motor and necessary production even with suspect-arm length, Floyd doesn’t play short-armed.
Star Lotulelei NT, Utah
Another player that can fit right in at the defensive tackle position is Star Lotulelei.
Despite the possible heart condition, he’s still high up on many scouts’ boards. Lotulelei can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
During the 2012 season he ranked second in the nation in fumble recoveries with four, he also forced three fumbles and broke up four passes while making 42 tackles.
Dee Milliner CB Alabama
Cornerback is a definite need and taking the best available corner in the draft is another way the Raiders might go. It says something about the state of the secondary when starting safety Michael Huff got moved to corner. As veterans Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer were ineffective.
Milliner fits perfectly in the secondary and provides speed, strength and size. Which the Raiders have missed since Nnamdi Asomugha left for the Philadelphia Eagles.
He finished the 2012 as a first-team All-American and came up with 51 tackles, 18 pass deflections and two interceptions for Alabama. Like Jordan will undergo surgery.
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