Instant Contributors Oakland Can Find in Each Round

[blazin1]

The Oakland Raiders have nowhere to go but up in 2013.

From their one-dimensional offense under the play-calling of Greg Knapp to their abysmal defense led by Jason Tarver, the Raiders were a complete mess in 2012.

Now, Knapp is gone, and the power-blocking scheme is back in the bay.

The Raiders are desperate to have a solid draft class, and general manager Reggie McKenzie will finally be able to use a first-round pick in this April's NFL draft, something the Raiders most desperately need.

Here are five rookie prospects who would quickly impact the silver and black.

Round 1: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Oakland's need for a legitimate pass-rusher can't be emphasized enough, especially after the Raiders' overpaid defensive tackles did nothing to earn their money.

Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour were about as ineffective as defensive tackles could possibly be, combining for just 4.5 sacks all season.

Florida State's Bjoern Werner finished third in the nation with 13 sacks last season, and putting him opposite Lamarr Houston gives the Raiders' youth and excitement off the edge.

It's been forever since the Raiders have had a first-round pick develop into a solid, consistent contributor. It's time for that to change.

Round 3: Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers

Opposing quarterbacks looked as if they were playing catch with their receivers when they played the Oakland Raiders in 2012.

Even Ryan Tannehill and the abysmal Blaine Gabbert had great performances against the Raiders secondary.

Oakland must move Michael Huff back to safety while bringing in a young cornerback capable of being a game-changer.

Logan Ryan is that cornerback.

As it stands, the Raiders are without a second-round pick, and they must address their defensive-backfield issues after they draft a defensive end in the first round.

Round 4: Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia

Although Kwame Geathers was a stud at the University of Georgia as a nose tackle, his size and intangibles make him a solid defensive tackle prospect in a 4-3 scheme.

Geathers finished his junior season with 40 combined tackles, including five for a loss, one sack and a blocked field goal.

Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver ran the 3-4 defense when he was defensive coordinator at Stanford in 2011. Last year he had the Raiders running a 4-3, but that could change depending on how the Raiders decide to draft.

If Tarver decides to switch defensive schemes, he may need to rely on Geathers, who proved to be a successful nose tackle in the extremely competitve SEC.

Round 6: John Wetzel, OT, Boston College

I had the Raiders drafting John Wetzel in a previous mock draft, and he still seems like a great fit.

Oakland needs to move on from tackle Khalif Barnes and his $2 million contract, and unless the Raiders plan on making an offer to another right tackle in free agency, Wetzel needs to be on the minds of the front office.

Fixing the defense will be Reggie McKenzie's top priority in the draft, but the right side of the offensive line needs a new look as well.

This is where Wetzel comes in.

Round 7: Kerwynn Williams, RB, Utah State

It's no secret that Darren McFadden has killed his chances of signing a long-term contract with the Raiders because of his inability to stay healthy.

Marcel Reece was more than effective when he filled in as the starter during McFadden's absence, and he would flourish as a starter when McFadden's contract expires in 2014.

With a former fullback carrying the ball, the Raiders will need a younger and smaller running back to balance out the attack.

The Raiders still have Mike Goodson, but he isn't anything special.

Utah State's Kerwynn Williams finished with over 2,200 yards of total offense and scored 20 touchdowns during his final year as an Aggie, and his 5'8'' frame gives him that Darren Sproles dangerousness.

Williams didn't exactly go up against the toughest competition while playing in the WAC, but he would be a terrific value in the final round of the draft.

LINK: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1510836-oakland-raiders-mock-draft-instant-contributors-oakland-can-find-in-each-round

[RIPDanBirdwell]

A little early for all of this. But I'll have a go.

All over Werner if he's there at #3, and I'll bet heavily he isn't. Guy is already a beast and has significant upside yet. Scary. If he's not there, whether we trade down or not, I'm after Chance Warmack. Don't care about where anyone rates him, put him next to Veldheer and forget about the left side of the line except when pro bowl times around for the next eight years.

I want O-line in round 3, too. Would love nab Lary Warford here to to some damage at RG, but his stick is rising too high. Still, there's the chance he falls as far as #66 overall, especially if he doesn't show well at the combine. Right now, all the CBs are falling in dozens of rankings, affetcting every big board I can see. That will reverse itself by draft day. Still, most likely here at position of need is a solid LB, someone like Michael Buchanan of Illinois. No chance of switching to 3-4 unless we have 5 NFL calibre LBs, and right now arguably we have two.

Assuming Warford is gone, would prefer solid man-power G in 4th round, like Alvin Bailey of Arkansas.

With the likely comp picks at the end of round 6, I'm taking a flier on our own pick with Tyrann Mathieu. With one comp pick I'll look for a solid rotational DT, like Montori Hughes if he falls that far, or Anthony McCloud of FSU.

Not deep enough into the weeds yet for anymore very late picks.

[DeadRinger]

A little early for all of this. But I'll have a go.

All over Werner if he's there at #3, and I'll bet heavily he isn't. Guy is already a beast and has significant upside yet. Scary. If he's not there, whether we trade down or not, I'm after Chance Warmack. Don't care about where anyone rates him, put him next to Veldheer and forget about the left side of the line except when pro bowl times around for the next eight years.

I want O-line in round 3, too. Would love nab Lary Warford here to to some damage at RG, but his stick is rising too high. Still, there's the chance he falls as far as #66 overall, especially if he doesn't show well at the combine. Right now, all the CBs are falling in dozens of rankings, affetcting every big board I can see. That will reverse itself by draft day. Still, most likely here at position of need is a solid LB, someone like Michael Buchanan of Illinois. No chance of switching to 3-4 unless we have 5 NFL calibre LBs, and right now arguably we have two.

Assuming Warford is gone, would prefer solid man-power G in 4th round, like Alvin Bailey of Arkansas.

With the likely comp picks at the end of round 6, I'm taking a flier on our own pick with Tyrann Mathieu. With one comp pick I'll look for a solid rotational DT, like Montori Hughes if he falls that far, or Anthony McCloud of FSU.

Not deep enough into the weeds yet for anymore very late picks.

Dude, wtf? You want a pair of guards with our first 2 picks? Are you throwing Bergstrom out the window or what? Not to mention the $20M Reggie's paying for Brisiel?

I mean, if that's your plan then you're basically saying Reggie is an unmitigated failure as a GM. And while I agree with that for the most part, it surprises me to see a fan other than myself and a few others shitting on his head like that.

If you're looking OL with any of our first 3 picks or so it has to be at RT. Because last year ANOTHER one of Reggie's mistakes was an abject disgrace at that position.

[RIPDanBirdwell]

DR,

I understand where you're coming from. With the Knapp disaster behind us, not sure why Bergstrom did not get much PT -- all the more true with the fact that both Carlisle and Bergstrom played like they were on roller skates. Bergstrom is 26 years old, and was presumably brought in because of the ZBS scheme. Not sure where he fits now, but if for any reason the giant G from UK is there at #66 overall, he's too good to passs up. Likely going to go in the second round though, so don't sweat it.

Briesiel is a disaster, and a third round pick won't cost us much. If we have someone who can beat him out, cut him and take the cap hit. But the way a lot of contracts are structured, I'd be happy to waive him off now rather than pay him a bonus of a couple mil. RT is a position where we need depth, but Barnes has been far from a problem when he's been in there. Had a very good 2011, and was okay this past season. I can only imagine what he might be capable of if he wasn't playing next to a RG who is a human turnstyle.