Oakland Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: Matt Barkley

 

The “California-Kid” keeps his thrown.

University of Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley should be a top target for the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are a team that could use work all around the depth chart, but an elite team will always need an elite leader. Barkley is the young talent at quarterback that the Raiders have been looking for.

After the whole Jamarcus Russell fiasco, the Raiders front office have shied away from getting a quarterback in the NFL Draft. Barkley, a senior in college standing at 6-2 and weighing 230 pounds, has gone from a guaranteed number one draft position, to being a possible top-10 draft pick. His draft stock is in question with other great quarterbacks in the mix of the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Raiders should consider drafting the hometown-boy, making his name the most popular in California, and making his jersey the most owned jersey on the west coast.

Right now, Barkley has 25 touchdowns on the season, with eight interceptions. He has a total of 2,266 yards on the season (eight games), and has two losses against Stanford and Arizona.

Barkley’s ability to compete against the best is his biggest question mark, since the NFL is composed of the best players. He is the kind of player who can put up high numbers, but the Raiders need a quarterback who can win them games.

The Raiders would have to move up in the draft to have a shot at Barkley, but a player that will have an impact on the offense will be worth it.

Raider’s prospect grade: A-