Everyone knows that the Oakland Raiders are heavily eyeing the top two wide receiver prospects in this year's NFL Draft. Either Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White will be wearing the silver and black next season. But aside from getting second-year quarterback Derek Carr some help, Oakland has a glaring need for pass-rushers as well. As such, it's possible that the team could switch courses and select one of the draft's many talented edge players.
Which one? How about Florida's Dante Fowler Jr.?
Fowler should still be available when the Raiders pick fourth overall. Quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are expected to go in the top two picks with USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams closely following at No. 3. Fowler would be a good pick for the Raiders for several reasons.
"Fowler is considered one of the best pure pass-rushers available in the draft," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "The Raiders had just seven sacks from their defensive ends last year, which was the lowest in the NFL. Oakland had just 22 sacks overall, which was tied for the second fewest in the NFL. Fowler would give Oakland immediate help at one of its biggest need areas."
Again, this isn't likely to happen. It would take a miracle for the Raiders to bypass Cooper and White, especially after the team failed to land an impact offensive player in free agency. Carr's development simply takes precedent over everything else.
But Fowler is considered one of the most well-rounded and complete defensive players in the draft. He can play the run, rush the passer and won't get lost in coverage if asked to do so. He could slot in with Khalil Mack as Oakland's defensive building blocks.
Will it actually happen? Probably not. But it's an enticing possibility.
