Three Players The Raiders Could Select With The Fourth Pick

The NFL Draft is just over two weeks away and the Oakland Raiders are going to have a busy first day. The Raiders have three of the first 27 picks and four of the first 35.

Oakland’s biggest need right now is a player who can get to the quarterback whether it’s from the edge or from the line. The Raiders finished last in the league with 13 sacks, less than half of the next closest team.

Thankfully for the Silver and Black, pass rusher is one of the deepest positions in this years draft. With three first round picks, the Raiders will have plenty of chances to improve their pass rush.

Here’s the three players the Raiders could go with at four:

Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

The Raiders struggled to replace the production of Khalil Mack last season, finishing dead-last in sacks with 13. Allen led the SEC last season in sacks with 17 and was tied with Jachai Polite with five forced fumbles. He was a nightmare in the backfield as well, finishing with 21.5 tackles for loss.

The Raiders defense struggled last season without Mack getting to the quarterback. Allen is the second-rated EDGE rusher on the board behind Nick Bosa and if available, should be a no-doubt pick for the Raiders.

Quinnen Williams, IDL, Alabama

Williams isn’t an EDGE rusher the Raiders are looking for but he’d be the best available player if he drops to Oakland. If Williams is at four, it likely means Arizona went with Kyler Murray, the 49ers got Bosa, and the Jets took Allen. This would leave Williams at four for the Raiders.

Williams showed he can get to the quarterback, recording eight sacks last season for Alabama but his value comes in his run-stopping ability. His two best qualities are getting off the line and penetrating the gap. While not an EDGE, Williams would be a great pick for the Raiders and a player who could be an All Pro talent.

Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

There are two ways the Raiders get Kyler Murray. The first being Oakland trades up to the first pick with Arizona while swapping the fourth pick and another one of their first round picks. The Raiders most likely won’t trade one of their other first round picks. The other option is hoping the five foot ten quarterback falls to the fourth pick.

Everything would have to fall perfectly for Murray to drop to the fourth pick. The Cardinals would have to pass and then Oakland would have to hope that a quarterback desperate team like the Giants or Dolphins don’t trade up to the second or third pick. However, if the situation presents itself, it’s no secret that Jon Gruden is infatuated with the quarterback from Oklahoma and could be the pick.

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