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 11th 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: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
Last Updated: April 5, 2016
Brooks' Analysis: "The Raiders could take a chance on the ultra-talented interior rusher despite his disappointing sack production as a collegian."
Previous Selections:
Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville (03/16/2016)
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: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Last Updated: April 5, 2016
Prisco's Analysis: "They have to get better in the secondary. Adding Sean Smith will help. But they need more than just him."
Previous Selection:
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (03/29/16)
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: April 5, 2016
Brinson's Analysis: "The Raiders are going to be SUCH a hot pick in 2016. But the reality is the Oakland secondary isn't exactly loaded. It needs more help."
Expert: Chris Burke | SI.com
PICK: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Last Updated: April 6, 2016
Burke's Analysis: "In Justin Ellis and Dan Williams, the Raiders have a pair of tackles who can hold the point of attack vs. the run. What they are lacking, especially with a neck injury lingering for Mario Edwards, is an inside defender who can penetrate on a consistent basis vs. the pass. Rankins is capable of that and so much more."
Previous Selections:
Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State (03/24/16)
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: Ronnie Stanley, T, Alabama
Last Updated: April 4, 2016
Easterling's Analysis: "General manager Reggie McKenzie bolstered an already solid offensive line by throwing big money at free-agent guard Kelechi Osemele, but the Raiders still need a young tackle to take over for veteran Donald Penn soon. If Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley falls into their lap here, it would be a no-brainer.
Widely considered one of the top tackle prospects in last year's draft class, Stanley chose to return to South Bend for the 2015 season. He smoothed out some of the rougher edges of his game, becoming an even better pass protector, and would be the best tackle in this year's draft if not for the rare athletic talent that is Mississippi's Laremy Tunsil.
The Raiders have built a promising young roster over the last few years, but a franchise left tackle who could protect the blind side of quarterback Derek Carr is one of the few missing pieces. Stanley would be the perfect choice and an absolute steal this late."
Previous Selections:
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (03/21/16)
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: April 6, 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: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Last Updated: April 6, 2016
Previous selections:
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State (03/28/16)
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: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
Last Updated: April 6, 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 Vernon Butler, who has drawn comparisons to Muhammad Wilkerson, would provide a huge boost for their defense."
Previous Selections:
Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville (03/30/16)
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)
