If the first round was busy and exhausting for Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock, Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft figures to be much more relaxing. As it stands, the Raiders hold just one of the 70 picks — and it’ll come less than 30 minutes into the night, which makes projecting things easy.
That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders were eager to move down a bit to see if they could add a second — or even third — pick on Day 2. Then again, maybe they fall in love with a guy at No. 35 and can’t pass him up.
On Day 1, I gave the Raiders a B- overall after they added two pieces to their defense alongside a home run hitter at running back. What do they need to do to improve that grade? Here’s my big board heading into the second day of the 2019 Draft…
1) Greedy Williams, CB (LSU)
2) Byron Murphy, CB (Washington)
3) Rock Ya Sin, CB (Temple)
It almost makes too much sense for the Raiders to grab one of the top corners remaining on the board. Pair one of these guys — any of whom you could find atop a list of the best corners in this draft — with Gareon Conley, and it seems like they’d start to make everyone else on the defense look a little bit better. Each of these guys brings something slightly different to the table — but all would be welcome in Oakland.
4) Cody Ford, OT (Oklahoma)
5) Dalton Risner, OT (Kansas St.)
Don’t want to go defensive back? How about a mauler to put up front at guard? Both of these guys played tackle in college, but are capable of moving inside to guard — a spot the Raiders have a need at the moment.
6) Jachai Polite, DE (Florida)
When the college football season ended, this was a guy whose tape put him amongst the top 20 prospects. After the combine wrapped up, however? Not so much. Apparently, his interviews were dreadful, but how bad is bad? From a talent perspective, Polite would be a nice gamble for the Raiders as they remain desperate for pass rushing help.
7) Irv Smith, TE (Alabama)
With running back covered, tight end remains the lone hole on offense. Smith was projected by many as a first rounder, and so grabbing him at No. 35 could be a nice coup for Gruden and Mayock.
8) Erik McCoy, OL (Texas A&M)
9) Jaylon Ferguson, DE (Louisiana Tech)
10) Lonnie Johnson, CB (Kentucky)
