The Oakland Raiders have not been viewed as a serious playoff contender for quite some time, but they may be on track to getting back into the conversation. They had an awesome offseason from a free agency standpoint and now are shifting their attention to the 2016 NFL Draft.
Even though the Raiders haven’t been a serious contender for quite a few years, their fan base has remained hopeful and loyal. Oakland has been slowly but surely getting their roster back to the point where it could be a playoff caliber team. Not only have they been building to get back to that point, they have done it the right way by building through the draft.
Al Davis would be proud of the way that his team has been rebuilding their roster and the excitement that the franchise is beginning to bring back to Oakland.
While the Raiders are headed in the right direction, they have to get it right once again in the draft this year. There are a few prospects that would make perfect sense for the Raiders and others that they could consider.
All of that being said, which five 2016 NFL Draft prospects are potential targets for the Raiders in the first round with the No. 14 overall pick?
Reggie Ragland, Linebacker, Alabama Crimson Tide
Perhaps the best fit for the Raiders would be on the defensive side of the football. Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland could be taken as high as No. 14 by the Raiders and would be an excellent fit in their defense. Pairing Ragland with Khalil Mack could end up giving Oakland one of the best young linebacker duos in the league.
Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State Spartans
Another major need for the Raiders is help at the offensive tackle position and there is one player that would help fix the issues immediately. Michigan State’s Jack Conklin could be available when the Raiders are on the clock and would be a perfect pickup. Oakland would be smart to take Conklin and there is a good chance that he could actually be the top offensive lineman on their big board.
Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson Tigers
Oakland will need to bring in some help at the cornerback position in the draft as well. Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander could be the best available when the Raiders come on the clock and has a lot of raw potential. There is a lot of work for him to do to succeed at the next level, but he has the work ethic to make it work.
Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Ronnie Stanley has a very good chance of being selected before the No. 14 overall pick comes along. If the Raiders decide that they want Stanley, there are a few different options with teams to trade up. Oakland would be a great fit for Stanley and he would be a vital piece to protecting franchise quarterback Derek Carr.
Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor Bears
Last season with the Baylor Bears , Corey Coleman ended up catching 74 passes for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns. He would be a dangerous weapon for the Raiders to pair alongside of Amari Cooper. If the Raiders truly want to give Carr the best that they can, drafting Coleman would be a move that they would consider making.
It will be very interesting to see what the Raiders end up deciding to do with the No. 14 overall pick in the draft this year. They have so many different options and all five of these players could fit in with them.
Who do you think that the Oakland Raiders should select in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft? Do you think these five players would be good fits for the Raiders?
[AP Photo/Orlin Wagner]
