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2015 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders Seven-Round Mock Draft, Mid-April Edition

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2015 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders Seven-Round Draft, Mid-April Edition

Jack Del Rio Oakland Raiders 2015 NFL Draft Preview
Kirby Lee - USATODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders have been in the AFC West basement for more years than they care to remember. However, they may have an answer at quarterback in Derek Carr, and they’ve been active in free agency this offseason as they aim to get things turned around. The next step for the Raiders is finding some difference makers in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Round 1, No. 4 Overall - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

All State Sugar Bowl - Alabama v Ohio State
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Round 1, No. 4 Overall - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

All State Sugar Bowl - Alabama v Ohio State
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The Raiders just signed Michael Crabtree, but they still need more offensive playmakers to put around Derek Carr. Cooper has been compared by many to Julio Jones, but even if he doesn't quite live up to that comparison, it's a safe bet that Cooper will be a consistent and productive wide receiver in the NFL for many years. When paired with Crabtree, Oakland suddenly has a formidable receiver duo for their young quarterback.

Round 2, No. 35 Overall - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

Owamagbe Odighizuwa UCLA
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Round 2, No. 35 Overall - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

Owamagbe Odighizuwa UCLA
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The Raiders are in desperate need of some pass rushing help, making Odighizuwa a wise choice early in Round 2. He has long arms and a good burst that will help him beat offensive tackles and get to the quarterback. He may have to adjust to defensive end after playing linebacker in a 3-4 scheme in college, and he does have some durability issues. But when healthy, Odighizuwa can be the consistent pass rushing threat Oakland needs.

Round 3, No. 68 Overall - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Cedric Ogbuehi Texas A&M
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Round 3, No. 68 Overall - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Cedric Ogbuehi Texas A&M
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

Ogbuehi may be more talented that recent A&M tackles Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel, but he has had some injury issues in the past, including an ACL tear that he's currently rehabbing from. He has ideal size and strength and possesses the talent to be a Pro Bowler one day. The Raiders need an upgrade at offensive tackle, and they may need to take a chance on an injury-plagued player like Ogbuehi to get one.

Round 4, No. 102 Overall - Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State

Marcus Hardison Arizona State
Chris Humphreys - USATODAY Sports

Round 4, No. 102 Overall - Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State

Marcus Hardison Arizona State
Chris Humphreys - USATODAY Sports

The Raiders have added a couple of interior linemen this offseason, but they do need to add some depth and youth to that position to help improve defensively. Hardison looks like a late bloomer with the size and agility necessary to be a defensive lineman in the NFL. It'll take some time until he's ready to make an impact, but he's a nice project that the Raiders can pick up on Day 3.

Round 5, No. 140 Overall - Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida State

NCAA Football: BCS National Championship-Florida State vs Auburn
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Round 5, No. 140 Overall - Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida State

NCAA Football: BCS National Championship-Florida State vs Auburn
Matthew Emmons - USATODAY Sports

If the Raiders want Derek Carr to take a step forward in 2015 they need to put playmakers around him, and O'Leary is a great pass-catching tight end. He doesn't have ideal size for an NFL tight end, but he's more athletic than he looks and he has outstanding hands. He doesn't project as an every down player in the NFL, but his pass catching ability can make him a viable threat in the Oakland passing attack.

Round 6, No. 179 Overall - JaCorey Shepherd, CB, Kansas

JaCorey Shepherd Kansas
John Rieger - USATODAY Sports

Round 6, No. 179 Overall - JaCorey Shepherd, CB, Kansas

JaCorey Shepherd Kansas
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The Raiders could use some depth at cornerback, and Kansas is starting to become a place that produces quality corners. Shepherd has a good frame with the athleticism and hips to play corner, although he may move to nickel back in the NFL, which may not be such a bad thing. He's also a high character person, which isn't such a bad thing for Oakland.

Round 7, No. 221 Overall - Max Garcia, C, Florida

Max Garcia Florida
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Round 7, No. 221 Overall - Max Garcia, C, Florida

Max Garcia Florida
Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports

Garcia will add good depth to the Oakland offensive line, making him a valuable pick in the final round of the draft. He's a durable player who gained a lot of valuable experience in college, playing at both Maryland and Florida. He's not the strongest or most athletic, but he's a smart player who can play either center or guard. That's a pretty solid pickup this late in the draft.

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