The Oakland Raiders hold the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft tomorrow. That is an advantageous position to be in.
The Raiders haven't enjoyed a winning season since 2003, however, they are slowly but surely adding some building blocks to the roster. Derek Carr is a work-in-progress franchise quarterback, linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback D.J. Hayden are keepers. Will the fourth pick turn into another franchise cornerstone? If so, which player will it be?
"The Oakland Raiders' top pick will likely come down to USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams and either Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia receiver Kevin White," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "If Williams is on the board - that notion has had growing momentum lately - he will be the choice. If not, it will likely be Cooper or White with Florida pass-rusher Dante Fowler looming as a darkhorse choice. The good thing for Oakland is one of these players will be on the board. So the Raiders will get a top choice."
All three players are enticing but it's unlikely that any of them will turn the franchise around singlehandedly. The Raiders have needs all across the roster and could also benefit by trading back and acquiring more picks. But are they open to a move down the draft board?
"Oh yeah, Oakland is open for business," Williamson wrote. "The Raiders are building through the draft. Thus, the more picks, the merrier. Their best chance of trading the pick is if Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota is still on the board. Several potential buyers could develop and the Raiders could set a high market. The ideal situation would be getting Cleveland to bite, giving No. 12 and No. 19. Oakland could get a pass-rusher and a receiver. I'd be a bit surprised if the Browns gave up that much, though."
Whatever the Raiders decide to do they are set up very well in this draft.
