Expect the Oakland Raiders to make a surprising pick at No. 4 during the 2019 NFL Draft.
At least, that's what some are suggesting. NFL.com national insider Ian Rapoport gave more details on the Raiders' plans for the draft.
From what I understand, what the Raiders are looking at is some sort of surprise pick at No. 4 that would necessitate absolute secrecy…a pick at No. 4 that we are not expecting.
What that actually is, I do not know. I have some thoughts, maybe that's Devin White, maybe that's a quarterback like Dwayne Haskins or Kyler Murray if he's there.
From Up to the Minute Live: The #Raiders pick at No. 4 could be a big surprise, based on the views of some who won't be there to witness it. pic.twitter.com/YOqY20oBy4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2019
Based on Rapoport's comments, it seems Jon Gruden and Co. are going to select a prospect nobody expects the Raiders to draft. The bigger question looms: Who is that prospect? We won't find out until April 25.
For his part, new Raiders general manager Mike Mayock shared his thoughts on the draft with ESPN's Paul Gutierrez.
I think you always have to go back to trusting who you are as an evaluator. The great thing for me is that we've got all of these resources now with the scouts and the coaches to bounce a bunch of stuff off, that I didn't have as much [of] before.
But…at the end of the day, despite all the pressure and all of the influence, you just kind of have to close the door and get your head space back and say, ‘What do I believe in and who do I want to fight for in this draft?
After 15 years as a ‘lone ranger’ with the NFL Network, Philly native Mike Mayock has ‘skin in the game’ as Raiders GM. @pdomo: https://t.co/Hih6xf2kq1
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 22, 2019
Several draft boards have predicted that pass rushers will go high in the draft. Among them are Quinnen Williams, Josh Allen, Montez Sweat, and Rashan Gary. If the Raiders select any of them, they will get a player who will make a long-term impact. Will that player offset the loss of Khalil Mack? It will be interesting to find out.
At this point, who knows what the Raiders are thinking? If they go for quarterback Dwayne Haskins, how will that affect Derek Carr's future? Anything can happen.
Aside from the No. 4 overall selection, the Raiders also have seven other draft picks. They have three more draft picks in the top 35 (No. 24, No. 27, and No. 35).
The rebuilding of the Black Hole is in full swing. Make no mistake about it.
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