The Combine and Owners Meetings are in the books, Pro Days and Free Agency are in full swing as we approach the NFL Draft (April 28-30). Here is our 10th round-up of selected expert opinions on who they think the Raiders will select with the 14th overall selection in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago. We will update with new predictions and additional analysts in the weeks leading up to the Draft. Check out last week's.
Expert: Daniel Jeremiah | NFL.com
PICK: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Last Updated: March 29, 2016
Jeremiah's Analysis: "Jackson is a very talented player who would fit well in this division."
Previous selections:
Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State (03/14/16)
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (02/16/16)
Robert Nkemdiche (01/17/16)
Expert: Charles Davis | NFL.com
PICK: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Last Updated: March 23, 2016
Davis' Analysis: "The Raiders struck gold last year with a first-round WR from Alabama in Amari Cooper. They go back to the same campus for a DT that stuffs the run, and will provide good pressure inside."
Previous selection:
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (03/03/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (02/22/16)
Expert: Maurice Jones-Drew | NFL Network
PICK: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Last Updated: March 21, 2016
MJD's Analysis: "A big, physical corner to add with Sean Smith will allow Oakland to play Cover 3 and Cover 1. Apple fits the mold of a corner that Oakland is looking for."
Expert: Chad Reuter | NFL.com
PICK: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Last Updated: March 28, 2016
Reuter's Analysis: "Billings adds athleticism to the Raiders' front four. He'll combine with Khalil Mack for one of the best end-tackle combos in the league."
Previous Selections:
Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State (03/21/16)
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (03/07/16)
Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame (02/17/16)
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame (01/29/16)
Expert: Ike Taylor | NFL.com
PICK: Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
Taylor's Analysis: "The addition of Kelechi Osemele gives Derek Carr interior help, and Stanley will protect his blindside. The Raiders can address their RB and CB needs in the second and third rounds."
Expert: Lance Zierlein | NFL.com
PICK: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Last Updated: March 21, 2016
Zierlein's Analysis: "Mackensie Alexander doesn't have the size or athleticism of Apple, and the Raiders' need at the position pairs nicely with Apple's bang-up combine."
Previous Selections:
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame (02/18/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (01/22/2016)
Expert: Bucky Brooks | NFL.com
PICK: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Last Updated: March 16, 2016
Brooks' Analysis: "The Raiders could opt for a CB1 at this spot, but the opportunity to add an energetic interior rusher to a front line that features Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin and Mario Edwards, Jr., would make the unit downright scary."
Previous Selections:
Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss (03/02/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (02/22/16)
Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss (01/17/2016)
Expert: Eric Galko | Sporting News/OptimumScouting.com
PICK: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Last Updated: March 24, 2016
Galko's Analysis: "After investing in free agency and stringing together three straight successful drafts, the Raiders don't have many needs to address other than adding depth across the roster. That said, defensive line should remain a focus. With talents like Mario Edwards and Khalil Mack, the unit already is a strength. Keeping it that way can further cement this unit as a feared defense in the AFC."
Previous Selections:
Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama (03/10/16)
Andrew Billings, DT Baylor (02/09/16)
Expert: Rob Rang | CBSSports.com
PICK: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Last Updated: March 27, 2016
Rang's Analysis: "Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie deserves a lot of credit for drafting Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper and Derek Carr over the past two years, but his initial first-round pick - cornerback D.J. Hayden - hasn't fared as well, which is among the reasons why Oakland signed Sean Smith away from the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. With Hayden entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2016, the Raiders could already be looking for depth. Apple has natural coverage skills, including the fluidity and quick hands to make plays on the ball. He was voted the Defensive MVP of the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame."
Previous Selections:
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (03/23/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (03/14/16)
Expert: Dane Brugler | CBSSports.com/NFLDraftScout.com
PICK: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Last Updated: March 28, 2016
Brugler's Analysis: "David Amerson showed signs of recharging his career in Oakland last season, but he is in the final year of his deal and Jackson would give the Raiders immediate depth and a long-term starter."
Previous Selections:
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (03/23/16)
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (03/01/16)
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State (03/01/16)
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame (02/22/16
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (02/15/16)
Expert: Pete Prisco | CBSSports.com
PICK: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Last Updated: March 29, 2016
Prisco's Analysis: "Pair him with Sean Smith and suddenly the defense is much improved. He can excel in man coverage."
Previous Selection:
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (03/23/16)
Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame (03/13/16)
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (03/07/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (03/01/16)
Expert: Will Brinson | CBSSports.com
PICK: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Last Updated: March 23, 2016
Brinson's Analysis: "Reggie McKenzie hit gold with David Amerson on waivers but hasn't gotten the production he wants from D.J. Hayden. Dipping into the market for another corner isn't a bad idea at all for a suspect secondary."
Expert: Chris Burke | SI.com
PICK: Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State
Last Updated: March 24, 2016
Burke's Analysis: "The Raiders are absolutely loaded from left tackle to right guard: Donald Penn, Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson and Kelechi Osemele. They have far less certainty at right tackle, where Austin Howard finished 2015 on IR with a knee injury and 2013 draft pick Menelik Watson is trying to get back from an Achilles tear. Conklin would erase all doubt, plus provide depth at guard in a pinch and give Oakland options when Penn's new contract expires after the 2017 season."
Previous Selections:
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (03/16/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (03/03/16)
Expert: Pat Kirwan | Real Football Network
PICK: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Kirwan's Analysis: "I believe every team is looking for 'hybrid' defensive players who can run and hit, but can also walk out on a slot receiver and play man coverage. Lee can be that guy."
Expert: Luke Easterling | BleacherReport.com
PICK: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Last Updated: March 21, 2016
Easterling's Analysis: "The Raiders were expected to be big spenders in free agency this year, and that's exactly what they were. General manager Reggie McKenzie made multiple big-ticket signings to address some of the team's bigger needs, but they're still looking for a leader in the middle of the defense. Alabama's Reggie Ragland was one of the driving forces behind one of the most dominant defenses in the nation last year, helping lead the Crimson Tide to yet another national title. He's not the flashiest athlete, but he's an old-school thumper who can run sideline to sideline with the nasty demeanor Raider fans want from their players."
Previous Selections:
Ezekiel Elliott, RB Ohio State (03/07/16)
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (02/22/16)
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame (02/01/16)
Expert: Chris Roling | BleacherReport.com
PICK: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Last Updated: March 29, 2016
Previous Selection:
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (03/07/16)
Expert: Cris Collinsworth | NBC Sunday Night Football
Pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Last Updated: March 15, 2016, 2016
Collinsworth's Analysis: Khalil Mack is a nightmare for opponents coming off the edge, but if you add the quickness of Rankins inside to keep quarterbacks from stepping up, Mack might approach the single-season sack record. Malik Jackson would have been a dream pairing with Mack, but now that Jackson has signed with Jacksonville, Rankins makes sense. He reminds me a little of Geno Atkins; at 6-1, 299 pounds he is surprisingly quick, yet powerful for his size. There is nothing on the tape that makes me nervous, but when teams see that type of frame, they will look elsewhere for more length. I think that's a mistake the Raiders won't make. Rankins will be dynamic on stunts, has the quickness to play in a one-gap scheme, and the power and leverage to hold the point if asked to two-gap. The Raiders are gaining on the league by drafting guys like Sheldon Rankins, who can just play.
Expert: Dan Kadar | SBNation.com
PICK: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Last Updated: March 28, 2016
Kadar's Analysis: "In past mock drafts, I've gone with a cornerback here. If the Raiders don't go that direction, they could add a speed demon of a linebacker like Lee. He can play on the weak side and make plays all over the field."
Previous selections:
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (03/21/16)
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State (03/14/16)
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (03/07/16)
Ezekiel Elliott, RB Ohio State (02/29/16)
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (02/22/16
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (02/01/16)
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (01/25/16)
Taylor Decker, T, Ohio State (1/18/16)
Expert: Walter Cherepinsky | walterfootball.com
PICK: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Last Updated: March 30, 2016
Cherepinksy's Analysis: "The Raiders took care of a bunch of their needs this offseason. One thing they still have to acquire is some help on the defensive line, especially in the wake of Mario Edwards' potential career-threatening neck injury. Adding a fierce, interior pass-rusher like Sheldon Rankins would provide a huge boost for their defense."
Previous Selections:
Vernon Butler, DE/DT, Louisiana Tech (03/23/16)
Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State (03/16/16)
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State (03/09/16)
Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia (02/24/16)
