The Oakland Raiders hold the No. 14 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Oakland didn't make the playoffs, but the team is building the right way and they could very well make the playoffs this year. The Raiders added some impressive talent this offseason and they can take the best player on their board instead of reaching for a particular positon. However, they need to draft an impact player to continue trending in the right direction. Here are three players they should target:
DL Sheldon Rankins (Louisville Cardinals)
Oakland could use an upgrade on the interior of the defensive line, and Rankins has the versatility to play both tackle and end. His quick feet are his biggest asset, and that quickness has separated him from some of the other defensive line prospects at the top of the first round. He's not a sexy pick, but fills a major need and will be an impact player right away.
CB Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida Gators)
Hargreaves is a pure #1 shutdown cornerback who will a) push DJ Hayden to step his game up or b) ultimately replace Hayden altogether atop the depth chart. Equally great in press coverage and dropping back, Hargreaves is a special talent who makes up for smaller size with explosiveness and pure athleticism.
CB Mackensie Alexander (Clemson Tigers)
If Hargreaves if off the board, Oakland could very well go after Clemson's Mackensie Alexander. He is projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to early in the second, so this would be a bit of reach - but Alexander is worth it. He's aggressive and physical on the perimeter and is excellent in man-to-man coverage - making him a perfect fit for what Oakland is trying to do.
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