2012 NFL Mock Draft: 7-Round Oakland Raiders Predictions

It would be easy to ignore the draft because the Oakland Raiders have just a fifth- and sixth-round selection, but that would be a mistake. While the Raiders own only two of its original seven draft picks, there is a new sheriff in town and his name is Reggie McKenzie. For decades the Raiders draft room was run by owner Al Davis, but all that changes this April. 

McKenzie, Oakland's general manager, doesn't have many picks to work and he'll explore every opportunity to gain a few more. If McKenzie doesn't find a player particularly useful or valuable, expect him to dangle them as trade bait starting in the middle to late second round.

The Raiders must use the picks they do have to find gems at positions of need. McKenzie has a lot of roster shaping to do to make it fit the new schemes and the personality of head coach Dennis Allen. 

 

First round

Traded to Bengals (Carson Palmer)

It isn't likely the Raiders will able to climb back into the first round without trading Darren McFadden. Even in a situation that has McKenzie contemplating trading McFadden for a low first-round pick he might not pull the trigger. 

Skip the first round if you must, but don't forget to tune in for day two. The Raiders should get active.

 

Second round

Traded to Patriots (Joseph Barksdale and Taiwan Jones)

Like Round 1, the Raiders are without a pick in Round 2 as well. If McKenzie wants to get started he'll need to make a trade. Towards the end of the second round as the talent thins out, McKenzie may have the opportunity to make a trade and snag an undervalued prospect that slips.

There are a couple solid nose tackle prospects that fall into this range, and if the Raiders are anticipating a switch to the 3-4 either this year or next year they could think about moving up for the one they want to build around. 

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