The Las Vegas Raiders have the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, and selecting the right quarterback, such as Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, could bring hope to the team and its fan base. The Raiders have the 36th overall pick in the second round; with that pick, they could go in any direction. With many needs on the roster, making the right choice could rebuild the team faster.
Lee Hunter, NT, Texas Tech
If Lee Hunter is there at 36, expect the Raiders to take a hard look at him. Switching to a 3-4 defense, the Raiders need a nose tackle. Hunter has the side, strength, and length to be a good nose tackle in the NFL. This past season at Texas Tech, Hunyer recorded 41 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Over the past few months, Omar Cooper Jr.‘s draft stock has gone up. He is a physical player who knows how to play through contact. Cooper can play in the slot and on the outside. He is also good at high-pointing the ball. This past season at Indiana, Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. Drafting Cooper could be good for Mendoza since they already played together in Indiana.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Colton Hood is a cornerback who excels at frustrating opponents at the line of scrimmage. He also set the speed to maintain the receiver’s position after the jam. Hood plays aggressively in the catch-and-run, taking top position by force. Physicality also shows up in run support. Hood has 50 tackles, 4,5 for loss, one interception, and eight passes defended.
Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
The Raiders added Kwity Paye, re-signed Malcolm Koonce, and it appears Maxx Crosby will be back, but you can never have enough edge rushers. Zion Young is a long, athletic defender with a quick burst off the snap. He has some development to do, but he has huge upside. He has 16. tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this past season.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman is a smart, instinctive safety who can cover a lot of ground. He can be a ballhawk and has strong leadership traits. The Raiders lack depth at safety, and Thieneman can become a centerpiece of the Raiders’ secondary if drafted. At Oregon this past season, he compiled 96 tackles with two interceptions and five passes defended.
