The Oakland Raiders hit a homerun with their first pick in the NFL Draft in wide receiver Amari Cooper. The Alabama star is one of the most polished and refined prospects in recent memory and will be able to contribute from Day 1. You can't say that about most rookie wide receivers. But even though the Raiders earned a B grade for their solid draft, holes still exist on this roster.
The Raiders finished second to last in the NFL in sacks (22) last season. By comparison, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston notched 22 sacks by himself last year. Oakland also finished 22nd in rush defense, allowing 119.4 yards per game. Fortunately for them, there is a player in the 2016 NFL Draft that can help in both departments.
ESPN and Football Outsiders project the Raiders to go 5-11 this season and secure the No. 3 overall pick. Although doing a mock draft and recrod projection a full year in advance is a pointless effort, this pick may actually stand the test of time. ESPN Insider Todd McShay projects the Raiders to select Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa.
"Bosa was dominant as a true sophomore last season," McShay wrote. "He's a very strong run defender who is also effective at rushing the passer with his ability to convert speed to power. He's one of the few prospects here that I've studied enough tape on to feel confident in his early evaluation. Assuming he stays healthy and continues to develop, it's hard to imagine Bosa falling out of the top 10 picks in the 2016 draft - and if you made me choose right now, I'd say he's the top-rated prospect in next year's draft class."
Bosa recorded 55 total tackles last season, including 21 for a loss with 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Those stats match up well with Leonard Williams, who was considered one of the top prospects in this year's draft. He recorded 80 total tackles with 9.5 for a loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2014.
The Raiders would be glad to add Bosa to a defensive foundation that includes linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback D.J. Hayden.
