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Jaylon Smith and 4 Other Prospects The Oakland Raiders Should Target In The 2016 NFL Draft

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The Oakland Raiders showed some serious signs of growth last season as Derek Carr took some huge strides. The team might end up being a playoff contender in 2016, but they will have to add some pieces in the draft to do so. Here’s a look at who they could target.

5. WR Demarcus Robinson

WR Demarcus Robinson Getty Images
Robinson has some serious character concerns, but the Raiders may take a risk on him. Robinson could develop into a strong third receiver and eventually take over for Michael Crabtree if he leaves. The team could get Robinson in the sixth or seventh round, so there would be relatively little risk.

Robinson has some serious character concerns, but the Raiders may take a risk on him. Robinson could develop into a strong third receiver and eventually take over for Michael Crabtree if he leaves. The team could get Robinson in the sixth or seventh round, so there would be relatively little risk.

4. OT Spencer Drango

OT Spencer Drango Getty Images
Donald Penn has been a really good left tackle, but it remains to be seen if the team will retain him in free agency. Even if they do, the team needs an upgrade at the guard position as Jon Feliciano and J’Marcus Webb are only okay at best. Drango could be available in the third or fourth round, and he should be able to play at guard if he is not athletic enough to play tackle.

Donald Penn has been a really good left tackle, but it remains to be seen if the team will retain him in free agency. Even if they do, the team needs an upgrade at the guard position as Jon Feliciano and J’Marcus Webb are only okay at best. Drango could be available in the third or fourth round, and he should be able to play at guard if he is not athletic enough to play tackle.

3. CB Deiondre’ Hall

CB Deiondre’ Hall Getty Images
D.J. Hayden has been a bust thus far, and the Raiders may look to get an upgrade over him. Hall is a sleeper prospect who played at Northern Iowa but had a strong showing in the Senior Bowl. He has a big frame and should be able to develop into at least a No. 2 corner at the next level. Hall could follow in the footsteps of former teammate David Johnson and become a contributor in his first season.

D.J. Hayden has been a bust thus far, and the Raiders may look to get an upgrade over him. Hall is a sleeper prospect who played at Northern Iowa but had a strong showing in the Senior Bowl. He has a big frame and should be able to develop into at least a No. 2 corner at the next level. Hall could follow in the footsteps of former teammate David Johnson and become a contributor in his first season.

2. S Jayron Kearse

S Jayron Kearse Getty Images
Charles Woodson has unfortunately retired, but the Raiders will be able to find a replacement as there are some pretty good safeties in this class. Kearse played very well for Clemson and he is in the running to be one of the first safeties taken in 2016. He played a major role in solidifying Clemson's secondary and projects to be an NFL starter. Kearse could develop into a great player if he can hold up in coverage.

Charles Woodson has unfortunately retired, but the Raiders will be able to find a replacement as there are some pretty good safeties in this class. Kearse played very well for Clemson and he is in the running to be one of the first safeties taken in 2016. He played a major role in solidifying Clemson's secondary and projects to be an NFL starter. Kearse could develop into a great player if he can hold up in coverage.

1. LB Jaylon Smith

LB Jaylon Smith Getty Images
The Raiders need a big-time playmaker at linebacker to shore up the defense, and Jaylon Smith may be available at the team’s first-round pick. An instinctive tackling machine, Smith may have been a top five pick had he not torn up his knee, so the Raiders would get immense value if he makes it to their spot. Smith and Khalil Mack would become a dynamic tandem and will make the Raiders’ defense truly scary when he returns from injury.

The Raiders need a big-time playmaker at linebacker to shore up the defense, and Jaylon Smith may be available at the team’s first-round pick. An instinctive tackling machine, Smith may have been a top five pick had he not torn up his knee, so the Raiders would get immense value if he makes it to their spot. Smith and Khalil Mack would become a dynamic tandem and will make the Raiders’ defense truly scary when he returns from injury.

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