The Oakland Raiders enter the 2016 campaign much improved after adding players such as Kelechi Osemele, Reggie Nelson, and Bruce Irvin this offseason. After a 7-9 season in 2015 where can the Raiders improve during the 2016 NFL Draft.
Last year the Raiders snagged Amari Cooper in the first round who proved wonders on the outside. They did however pass on Leonard Williams making them a prime candidate to take a defensive lineman this year. One player I like is Louisville’s Sheldon Rankins. Rankins is a one gap penetrator who can collapse the pocket. Giving Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack elite interior defensive line play in front of them could make this Raider defense awfully scary. The former Cardinal alum has been compared to Aaron Donald drawing from his raving senior bowl practices.
Additionally the Raiders could use a corner or two. David Amerson was a great late addition add last season but they need a true number one option. Vernon Hargreaves from Florida could possibly be on the board when the Raiders pick 14th overall. Hargreaves had the best feet of any corner in this years draft and favorable compares to Joe Haden.
Finally the Raiders look to build a solid core around young quarterback David Carr. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are great targets on the outside but Oakland really needs a slot receiving option. Sterling Sheppard from Oklahoma could be that guy who reminds me of Tyler Lockett from a year ago. Sheppard could also make a difference in the return game as well.
