NFL Oakland Raiders

2015 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders’ Early Seven-Round Mock

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By @GilAlcarazIV

Oakland Raiders' Early Seven-Round Mock Draft

Amari Cooper Cover
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As we’ve seen so far this season, the Oakland Raiders are still a long way from being competitive. They've started off the 2014 campaign winless, with numerous holes in their roster becoming apparent. Still, the building blocks of a strong team are evident, and bringing in a promising 2015 draft class will lead them in the right direction.

Here’s an early look at what they could do in every round of the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft.

1st Round: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Amari Cooper
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Amari Cooper
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

At this point in the season, the Raiders still have yet to find themselves a true No. 1 receiver. They signed James Jones via free agency, but he’s better suited in a complementary role. Rod Streater was expected to emerge this season, but instead we’ve seen Andre Holmes develop into the top target despite large amounts of drops. Cooper would instantly upgrade the passing game and give Derek Carr a reliable No. 1 weapon.

2nd Round: Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame

Stanford v Notre Dame
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2nd Round: Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame

Stanford v Notre Dame
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Despite numerous draft picks spent at the position, the Raiders continue to get subpar production from the tight end spot. Mychal Rivera is a semi-reliable receiving option, and nothing more. Oakland needs a well-rounded tight end who can be an option in the passing game while also pitching in as a blocker. Koyack is arguably the most well-rounded tight end in the 2015 class, highlighted by superb blocking abilities.

3rd Round: Jordan Richards, SS, Stanford

NCAA Football: Washington State at Stanford
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3rd Round: Jordan Richards, SS, Stanford

NCAA Football: Washington State at Stanford
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After two season-ending injuries in a row, Tyvon Branch could be done in Oakland. The Raiders need a more reliable option at strong safety, which is where Richards comes in. The Stanford product would not only get to stay local, but he’d be playing alongside one of the best defensive backs in NFL history, assuming Charles Woodson doesn’t retire. Richards is a tough, instinctive safety who could start and succeed from Day 1.

4th Round: Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke

Laken Tomlinson
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4th Round: Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke

Laken Tomlinson
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the season, Tomlinson was considered a fringe first-round talent and one of the best interior blockers in the country. While the 2014 campaign hasn’t gone quite as he’d expected, the potential and talent are still there. The Raiders need help along the interior with Austin Howard underwhelming this season and Gabe Jackson still working out the kinks. Tomlinson has the upside to start eventually.

5th Round: Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss

Alabama v Mississippi
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5th Round: Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss

Alabama v Mississippi
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A three-year starter for the Rebels, Golson has quietly emerged as an NFL-caliber cornerback this season as Ole Miss enjoys it’s skyrocket trip to the top of the college football ranks. Possessing outstanding speed and athleticism, Golson shows good instincts in coverage and offers some ballhawking skills. His lack of size and ability to step up against the run will hurt his stock, but you can never have too many cover corners in the NFL.

6th Round: Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Daryl Williams
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

6th Round: Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Daryl Williams
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

While it’s certainly no long-term solution, the Raiders’ tackles are actually playing well right now. Hence, they went elsewhere with their first-round pick. However, it wouldn’t hurt to bring some developmental players into the mix in the meantime. Williams has proven during a long career at Oklahoma that he’s a capable right tackle. His size, strength and leadership abilities make him an intriguing prospect for the Raiders.

7th Round: Michael Orakpo, OLB, Texas State

Michael Orakpo
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

7th Round: Michael Orakpo, OLB, Texas State

Michael Orakpo
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The younger brother of Washington Redskins’ Brian Orakpo, the Texas State product has all of the athleticism you could ever want from an outside linebacker. Unfortunately, he’s coming off a horrendous knee injury that could cost him his rookie season. Still, the athleticism, pass-rushing ability and bloodlines are enough to warrant stashing Orakpo on the IR and letting him earn a spot in 2016.

Gil Alcaraz IV is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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