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Packers 2016 Draft: Last minute NFL mock draft

By Kenn Korb

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) sacked Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Wade Freebeck (12) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) sacked Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Wade Freebeck (12) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #14 — Oakland Raiders

Leonard Floyd

It’s gonna take awhile to get used to this, but the Raiders are actually a decent team again.

Looking at their roster, at just about every position they have someone who is a good-to-great building block, both on offense and defense:

  • QB: Derek Carr (81.6 Pro Football Focus rating)
  • RB: Latavius Murray (74.6)
  • WR: Michael Crabtree (78.8), Amari Cooper (74.0)
  • TE: Clive Walford (74.6)
  • OL: Rodney Hudson (84.7), Donald Penn (84.5), Gabe Jackson (84.4), Austin Howard (80.6), Kelechi Osemele (79.6)
  • DL: Khalil Mack (95.8), Dan Williams (88.0), Mario Edwards Jr. (80.9), Aldon Smith (79.7)
  • LB: Bruce Irvin (78.0)
  • DB: Reggie Nelson (84.2), Sean Smith (83.8), David Amerson (83.4)

Pretty good, to say the least.

Still, there are areas they can improve upon, however — and if they expect to reach the playoffs, they will need to do so.

Part of the improvement will come from further growth by their young pieces, part from the new guys they already added in free agency.

When considering what spots they may want to target with their draft pick here, there are a few likely options.

The linebacking corps is mostly lacking behind Irvin, and could use someone to solidify the middle of their unit; Reggie Ragland or Leonard Floyd could work well here.

The defensive line could due to have another high-quality rotation piece; any of the 2nd-tier defensive linemen remaining should be considered potential options.

They could also use a third cornerback option; Apple is still here, as well as guys such as Mackenzie Alexander, William Jackson III, and maybe even Artie Burns.

With the Raiders running a multiple-front defense, having someone who can play in both 3-4 and 4-3 sets is a necessity; this could drop a few names from the DL options. Also, among most of the corners named, picking them this high wouldn’t really be great value.

Considering those points, a linebacker sounds like the best case option.

Ragland would be the more immediate improvement there, while Floyd would be a guy who may have the higher ceiling. Both are versatile enough to be used at multiple spots.

In terms of negatives, Ragland may have struggles in terms of coverage as a pro; Floyd will need to build up his weight or risk being run over & through.

If this team was already an established success, Ragland would be the pick.

Since they are still on the rise and have room for growth without needing to immediately reach their peak just yet however, adding Floyd will give them someone who can elevate their highest possible ceiling going forward in a way Ragland may not be capable of.

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