Niner Noise
FanSided

2019 NFL Draft: Complete two-round mock for every team, New Year’s Day version

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 33
Next
BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers returns a fumble as Teddy Veal #9 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers returns a fumble as Teddy Veal #9 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

28. . Linebacker. LSU. Devin White. 4. player

The Raiders, defensively, aren’t in a position to be picky about their first selection. The best idea, simply put, is to grab the best player available. Their needs on that side of the ball are many, but at least head coach Jon Gruden and newly minted general manager Mike Mayock can bank on a deep pass-rushing class and a multitude of picks in Rounds 1 through 3.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller listed LSU linebacker Devin White the No. 4 overall prospect in this year’s NFL Draft. White might not be a pass-rushing specialist. But he’s a playmaking linebacker, more than adept against the run and equally good in coverage against the pass.

Now, the Raiders could make things interesting if Gruden decides Derek Carr isn’t his guy under center. Quarterbacks will be at a premium in this year’s class and mock draft, too.

However, Carr is still a quality option under center, who has managed Oakland’s ugly year about as well as anyone could have asked. Switching him out, even if the Raiders have made more than a few questionable moves this year, is foolish. Gruden needs impact defenders right away.

White is a clear-cut impact defender.