14. Oakland Raiders (7-9) - Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Jaylon Smith could easily fall into the end of the first round after suffering a nasty knee injury in his bowl game. He was a clear cut top 10 pick so he won't fall out of the first, he's just too talented but he could fall way past this. The only team outside of the 20+ range I could see taking him is the Raiders for one real reason, the Raiders can afford to wait. Realistically, they aren't going to making a strong playoff push next year, they just aren't there yet. But, another year for Carr and Coop to develop chemistry, the OL to mesh together and the defense to grow and they could be prime to break out. Another .500ish year next year, a few more pieces the next 2 drafts/off seasons and they're all of a sudden a huge threat. Smith could be a huge part of that since they can let him sit out nearly all of the year and fully heal and come back to pair up with the talent they already have growing on that defense.
Quote (Benny21 @ Jan 11 2016 02:19am)
Maybe I'm just being a homer but I absolutely think we can make a strong playoff push next year. We lost 4 games that were decided in the final 3-5 minutes and still finished 7-9. We have the most cap space and are drafting relatively high (14) for having a 7-9 record. Sucks to lose Woodson but if we are able to replace his production and shore up our defense then I think playoffs are not out of the question at all.
e; not to mention our schedule next year is so easy compared to this year
Is it bad that I was going to post EXACTLY the same thing? XD
Quote (Randolph @ Jan 11 2016 02:24am)
It's not out of the question by any means, but I don't think anyone really would expect it at the same time.
Although it would be Carr's third year so about time to shit or get off the pot. Either way, a top talent in the mid teens, hard to pass on.
Yeah, 3rd year is usually the make-or-break for players. I think he's safe for a few more years just based off of how well he's played and where the team has gone under his leadership...and that's without any improvement from his play this season.
I'd be okay with this draft; even though it's 3 defensive players in a row we really need help at those positions. Would be nice to see a little bit of love for guard but we're not on fire and actively bleeding out on the OL like we are at safety and now partially at LB since Mack is uh...well, he's on the field.