Kim Klement- USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders biggest need is on the defensive line, specifically at the defensive tackle position.
At No. 3 there will most likely be two choices, Sharrif Floyd and Star Lotulelei, both of whom will make an impact for the Raiders. However, Floyd is the better fit for Oakland’s 4-3 defense and because of that he should be the pick at No. 3.
Floyd is more athletic of the two and has the potential to be far more disruptive. It is true he has not had great sack numbers throughout his career, but that should not be a major concern. His speed can help hurry the quarterback and he can block the hole in the running game. Florida gave up less than 100 yards per game on the ground and Floyd was a big part of that, collecting 46 tackles including 13 tackles-for-loss.
Oakland can’t go wrong with either selection, but Lotulelei’s heart does raise some concerns about longevity. He was cleared to play in the NFL, but it does raise concern about how long he’ll be able to play. Floyd is the “healthier” player so he should be a cornerstone of the defense for a long time.
There really is not much separating Floyd and Lotulelei so every little detail matters. Lotulelei may be better against the run, but Floyd is better against the pass. Floyd may be more athletic, but he has not translated that athleticism into actual production. It is a difficult decision, but Floyd seems to have more upside, so he should be the pick at No. 3.
