NFL Oakland Raiders

5 Late-Round Sleepers the Oakland Raiders Should Target In 2015 NFL Draft

5 Late-Round Sleepers the Oakland Raiders Should Target In 2015 NFL Draft

Vince Mayle Washington State
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency and the early rounds of the draft draw the most attention in the NFL offseason, but one cannot underestimate the importance of harvesting the draft’s sleepers. For the Oakland Raiders to turn the corner in 2015, they will need to grab contributors beyond Day 1 of the draft. Here are five lesser-known prospects that Raiders fans should be aware of this spring.

5. Corey Crawford (DE, Clemson)

Corey Crawford Clemson
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

5. Corey Crawford (DE, Clemson)

Corey Crawford Clemson
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders’ pass rush could benefit from the addition of the 6-foot-5 Crawford. What he lacks in speed, Crawford makes up for in pure strength (that 7-foot-1 wingspan doesn’t hurt, either). Moreover, he was accustomed to playing second fiddle behind Vic Beasley, so Crawford would fit in well behind stalwarts Khalil Mack, Justin Tuck and Sio Moore.

4. Vince Mayle (WR, Washington State)

Vince Mayle Washington State
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

4. Vince Mayle (WR, Washington State)

Vince Mayle Washington State
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

6-foot-2 with nimble feet and a basketball background, Mayle stands to be a hybrid threat in the NFL as a tight end and receiver. The Raiders need more production from their pass catchers, and Mayle could certainly answer the call; he pulled in 106 passes for 1,483 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior. If Oakland departs the 2015 NFL Draft with Amari Cooper and Mayle in their possession, they will be tracking upward going into summer.

3. Trey DePriest (LB, Alabama)

Trey DePriest Alabama
Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

3. Trey DePriest (LB, Alabama)

Trey DePriest Alabama
Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders need help at middle linebacker — why not draw from the fruitful well of Alabama linebackers? DePriest is well suited to play in the Raiders’ 3-4 defense and is expected to still be available in the fifth round.

2. Adrian Amos (S, Penn State)

Adrian Amos Penn State
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

2. Adrian Amos (S, Penn State)

Adrian Amos Penn State
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Woodson’s longevity is impressive, but it would be surprising to see him suiting up in 2016. The Raiders need to plan for the future now by drafting the dependable Amos as the long-term answer at the free safety position. Amos’ ability as a slot corner is also a plus.

1. Nick Marshall (CB, Auburn)

Nick Marshall Auburn
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Nick Marshall (CB, Auburn)

Nick Marshall Auburn
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Marshall is one of this year’s more intriguing prospects, because he is declaring himself a corner despite amassing a 151.1 quarterback rating for Auburn in 2014. In the Senior Bowl, Marshall turned heads by blanketing speedster Phillip Dorsett, so his inexperience doesn’t appear to be a major detriment. He also offers versatility in the punt return game and as a last-resort quarterback.

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