The Combine and Owners Meetings are in the books, Pro Days and Free Agency are in full swing, and offseason work-out programs are getting underway as we approach the NFL Draft (April 28-30). Here is our 12th 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: Steve Palazzolo | ProFootballFocus.com
PICK: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Last Updated: April 6, 2016
Palazzolo's Analysis: "Coleman brings so much explosiveness to an offense, it's been tempting to take him since around pick No. 8. The Raiders added Amari Cooper in the first round last year and they had a rejuvenated Michael Crabtree, but adding another big-play threat with separation skills could make them one of the most dangerous offenses in the league. Coleman was averaging an other-worldly 5.41 yards per route before injuries at the quarterback position slowed him down."
Previous selections:
Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State (03/02/16)
Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss (02/02/16)
Myles Jack, LB, UCLA (01/21/16)
Expert: Charles Davis | NFL.com
PICK: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
Last Updated: April 12, 2016
Davis' Analysis: "Khalil Mack would love a running mate who takes the pressure off of him. Floyd will do that, and create some havoc in the passing game himself."
Previous selections:
Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (03/03/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (02/22/16)
Expert: Lance Zierlein | NFL.com
PICK: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Last Updated: April 12, 2016
Zierlein's Analysis: "It wasn't until my last mock draft was completed and published that I realized I had mistakenly left Rankins out of my mock. Not this time. Rankins has tremendous hands and is a disruptive interior player with pass-rush ability on third downs. Rankins would be another talented, core player to add to a growing list of young talent in Oakland."
Previous Selections:
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State (03/21/16)
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame (02/18/16)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (01/22/2016)
Expert: Charley Casserly | NFL.com
PICK: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
Last Updated: April 7, 2016
Casserly's Analysis: They continue to rebuild their defense with versatile cover/pass-rush linebacker.
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: 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: Ike Taylor | NFL.com
PICK: Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
Last Updated: March 29, 2016
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: 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: Rob Rang | CBSSports.com
PICK: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Last Updated: April 8, 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. Hargreaves, a three-time All-SEC pick despite leaving after his junior season, is a scrappy playmaker with terrific agility and instincts for the position."
Previous Selections:
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State (03/27/16)
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: April 8, 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: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Last Updated: April 12, 2016
Prisco's Analysis: "They would have their version of the triplets with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Elliott. He is clearly the best back in this draft."
Previous Selection:
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State (04/05/16)
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 7, 2016
Brinson's Analysis: "Reggie McKenzie is doing a great job fixing the Raiders but the back end of his secondary still needs some work. He's 1-for-2 on cornerback acquisitions, landing David Amerson (free agency) but whiffing on D.J. Hayden (draft). He can make up for it here."
Expert: Eric Galko | Sporting News/OptimumScouting.com
PICK: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Last Updated: April 8, 2016
Galko's Analysis: "Oakland might consider interior defensive line help with this pick, and in such a strong class, somebody will be available to pique interest. That said, the secondary should be the Raiders' No. 1 concern, and Apple is arguably the draft's best cornerback in terms of athleticism and upside. He was overshadowed in the Ohio State defense, but the blossoming talent is there to thrive with a young and talented defense in Oakland."
Previous Selections:
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (03/24/16)
Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama (03/10/16)
Andrew Billings, DT Baylor (02/09/16)
Expert: Chris Burke | SI.com
PICK: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Last Updated: April 7, 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
Last Updated: March 30, 2016
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 10, 2016
Previous Selection:
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (03/07/16)
Expert: Dan Kadar | SBNation.com
PICK: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Last Updated: April 11, 2016
Kadar's Analysis: "Lee can be another athletic playmaker for Oakland's defense. He can be used at either weak-side or middle linebacker and give the Raiders a player who can work sideline to sideline. A cornerback will be in consideration here but Lee brings a special level of athleticism to the field."
Previous selections:
Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State (04/06/16)
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: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Last Updated: April 13, 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 (04/06/16)
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)
