The Oakland Raiders have made a number of moves this offseason to help improve the team from 2012 and as the weeks get closer to the NFL draft the team is looking a number of players that could be added to the roster that will help even more.
According to ESPN.com, the Raiders have a number of options with the number three pick in the draft behind the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, including Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, lineman Eric Fisher as well as linebacker Jarvis Jones or even quarterback Geno Smith. Although the team just traded for Matt Flynn, if the Raiders feel that Smith can be an option in the future they likely will take him if he gets past the Jaguars.
Flynn looks like he will be the starter over Terrelle Pryor and even if the Raiders take Smith or Matt Barkley, he will keep the job. General manager Reggie McKenzie has done a good job this offseason of adding depth on offense and defense, including with cornerback Tracy Porter as well as linebackers Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett.
The Raiders have some glaring issues at cornerback even with Porter in the fold and that is one reason why they may go after Dee Milliner with their third pick in the draft. There is a chance that Milliner could slip past Kansas City and Jacksonville and he would be able to start right away after coming out of a pro style system in Alabama.
The Chiefs are likely to pass on Milliner as well as the defensive side of the ball, as they are rumored to be looking at both Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher with the number one pick. The two players are considered the top left tackle prospects in the draft and with the team putting Branden Albert on the trading block after placing the franchise tag on him and they will want some insurance in case he is dealt.
The Jaguars could mess up the Raiders' plans, but chances are they will go after Shariff Floyd or Geno Smith, leaving the Raiders to take Milliner if they want to. Matt Barkley is considered to be behind Geno Smith at the quarterback position, but the Raiders or the Jaguars could surprise by taking the USC starter. The Jaguars have issues on both sides of the ball after going 2-14 and they will likely take the best player available, which is literally everyone apart from the guy the chiefs take.
The Raiders will have their draft board set up and they will take whoever they have rated highest after the Jags and Cheifs make their moves. There are so many interesting options for the Raiders, including Sharrif Floyd, Dion Jordan, Ziggy Ansah or Jones at linebacker.
