Free Agency Shaping the Draft – Oakland
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

3. Oakland Updated Draft Needs- DE, DT, OLB, CB, QB, OL, S

Key Additions– Kevin Burnett LB, Nick Roach LB, Kaluka Maiava LB, Pat Sims DT, Vance Walker DT, Khalif Barnes OT (resigned)

Key Losses– Matt Shaughnessy DE, Desmond Bryant DT, Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Michael Huff S/CB, Richard Seymour DT, Shawntae Spencer CB, Philip Wheeler LB, Khalif Barnes OT

Change in Draft Needs: Prior to the Barnes signing, OT was in the mix. Now, it is not an option in the first round. Even if such a player is considered the best-available talent, there are just too many other needs to fill.

Notes:
Oakland wants to trade their 1st round pick more than any other team in the league. They basically need a whole new roster and have to accumulate more picks in this draft. Reggie McKenzie’s moves thus far should be very encouraging to Raiders fans. No splashes, just cutting fat, and in turn, finally addressing the defensive front-seven.

Coach Dennis Allen will tell you that the defense will be multiple. The new defensive personnel they have brought in so far, a slew of linebackers and two big defensive lineman indicate the 3-4 is likely to be the “base” defense—meaning the team needs a bona-fide edge rusher. An explosive counterpart to DT Lamarr Houston is also a possibility. The problem with that theory is that the team still has not cut pricey pass rushing DT/slug Tommy Kelly. A glaring need at cornerback also exists on the defensive side of the ball.

Finally, pending the team’s real feelings on Carson Palmer and Terrelle Pryor; Geno Smith is certainly an option if they determine he is a franchise-quarterback talent.

If stuck at #3, these are the players the front office will be mulling over: Dion Jordan OLB Oregon, Ezekiel Ansah DE BYU, Dee Milliner CB Alabama, Sharrif Floyd DT Florida, Star Lotulelei DT Utah, Geno Smith QB West Virginia

The Pick:

In the end, Geno Smith becomes a very strong candidate. He could turn the franchise around. McKenzie is just too intrigued with what he saw out of Terrelle Pryor at the end of last season though and they keep Carson Palmer for insurance. They pass on Smith.

After signing two defensive tackles and for some reason keeping Tommy Kelly around, Coach Allen decides he has bigger needs on defense. He loves Lamarr Houston and lets the young stud lead the way there. They pass on a defensive tackle. Still, the defense is in dire straits at CB and hasn’t had a young prototypical pass rusher in years.

Disappointed if Jacksonville snatches OLB Dion Jordan from there grasp with the second pick, we have our likely showdown. DE Ezekiel Ansah vs CB Dee Milliner. Reggie turns to the staff’s experience coaching the Senior Bowl to make his decision.

In Mobile, while coaching the North Squad at the Senior Bowl, they learned there is a whole crop of solid middle round cornerback talent (Alford, McFadden, Webb, Poyer). Notwithstanding, the potential presence of the Honey Badger. So, they make the shrewd move and pass on Milliner.

Which leaves us with DE Ezekiel Ansah, another player the staff became familiar with during their time coaching the Senior Bowl. Albeit playing on the opposing team, Coach Allen saw Ansah dominate his talented crew of North Squad offensive lineman during the game.

Critics will point to an underwhelming week of practice. Being relatively new to the sport, Ansah explained to us at the NFL Combine that the whole week in Alabama was a learning experience. He may be a bit of a project, but Ansah showed when it’s time to just play he can have an immediate impact and Coach Allen took big notice. Physically he looks most like a natural 4-3 DE but his unbelievable display of athleticism in Indianapolis alleviate any concerns about his ability to stand up and play in space. Which is perfect because Coach Allen will want him to do both. A comparison Raiders fans will be familiar with is a bigger, faster Tamba Hali.