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5 NFL Draft Prospects Oakland Raiders Fans Need to Know About

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Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

5 Names Oakland Raiders Fans Need to Know Before the Draft

Alvin Dupree Cover
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

After yet another disappointing season – and subsequent coaching staff rebuild – the Oakland Raiders are in need of a strong offseason. They have plenty of cap space to work with, and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft that’ll surely land them an elite prospect.

In an effort to prepare Oakland fans for the upcoming NFL Draft, we’ve taken a look at some of the top college talents who could be on the Raiders’ radar.

Leonard Williams, DE, USC

Leonard Williams
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Williams, DE, USC

Leonard Williams
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Okay, chances are the Raiders won’t even have a shot at Williams. He’s considered arguably the best prospect in the 2015 draft class due to his dominant play along the defensive line. However, the Raiders got arguably the top defensive talent last year at No. 6, so things could go their way again. If he does slide to No. 4, you better believe the Raiders will scoop Williams up.

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Amari Cooper
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Amari Cooper
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Every Raiders fan knows that the team desperately needs to add talent at wide receiver. Moving forward with Andre Holmes, James Jones and Rod Streater simply won’t cut it. Especially with the No. 4 overall pick, the Raiders will be in prime position to land Cooper, the class’ best pass catcher. After a sensational 2014 season, the size/speed freak on the outside is ready to take the NFL by storm.

Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky

Alvin Dupree
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky

Alvin Dupree
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

At some point this offseason, the Raiders need an upgrade in the pass-rush department – unless they think Lamarr Woodley or C.J. Wilson is a long-term option. While Dupree still needs to get stronger, he’s an excellent edge rusher who uses his athleticism and technique to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If the Raiders trade down a few spots in the first round, Dupree will be a serious option.

David Cobb, RB, Minnesota

David Cobb
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

David Cobb, RB, Minnesota

David Cobb
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

At this point in time, Latavius Murray is the future of the Raiders’ running game. However, heading into only his third year (and first as a full-time starter), he’s going to need some backup. Instead of depending on a subpar talent like George Atkinson or Kory Sheets, the Raiders should turn to a mid-round runner like Cobb. He’s versatile, tough and would give the Raiders an exciting No. 2.

Justin Hardy, WR, ECU

Justin Hardy
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Hardy, WR, ECU

Justin Hardy
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

If the Raiders don’t grab a wide receiver in the first round, they’d be wise to target one in the second. That’s where a player like Hardy comes in. The big, physical receiver proved throughout his college career that he can be productive, setting the NCAA football bowl subdivision record for career receptions with 387. Derek Carr needs a reliable option to throw to, and Hardy would be exactly that.

 

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