AFC West Roundup: Reviewing Each Team’s 2014 NFL Draft
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Khalil Mack (Buffalo) poses for a photo with commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number five overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Oakland Raiders at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
OAKLAND RAIDERS
DRAFT SELECTIONS
- LB, Khalil Mack
- QB, Derek Carr
- OG, Gabe Jackson
- DT, Justin Ellis, AND CB, Keith McGill
- No Pick
- No Pick
- CB, T.J. Carrie, CB, Taiwan Jones, AND DE, Shelby Harris
The Raiders definitely beefed up in this draft with the additions of Khalil Mack and Gabe Jackson. Mack, arguably the best pass rusher in this draft class, will bring a dynamic element to Oakland’s front seven. He and Lamaar Woodley off the edges is scary and that duo will be a threat for years to come.
Oakland’s offensive line needed some re-tooling, which was evident from last season when they came to Arrowhead, and the addition of Gabe Jackson will help them immensely. The 6’3″, 330 ilb lineman from Mississippi State could end up being their best offensive lineman in year one. He combine size with solid technique and he’s exactly what they need for their interior.
However, their best pick of this draft might end up being quarter back, Derek Carr. The little brother of former number one overall pick, David Carr, has tremendous upside and could be the answer that Oakland has been looking for since Rich Gannon retired. I most certainly hope they haven’t hit a home run on this pick.
All-in-all, the Raiders had a really solid draft. Partner that with a busy free agency period and suddenly the 2014 season doesn’t look so bad. If I were a Raiders fan, I would have to feel good about the future.