Raiders can maximize value by trading down

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Monday, March 30, 2009  |  Comments( 44 )

Oakland Raiders
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The Oakland Raiders have positioned themselves for a resurgence in the AFC West, but there is still plenty of work to do. The Raiders are picking in the top 10 of the NFL draft for the fourth consecutive year, but they could be benefit from trading down to acquire additional picks. While Al Davis has historically been against doing that, Oakland has only five picks in the upcoming draft.

With the seventh overall choice, Oakland may end up in a highly desirable slot come April 25. With multiple teams in need of a top-flight tackle, dangling the selection could prove to be a tempting proposition to a team attempting to move up. In addition, teams may need to trade up in order to acquire one of this year’s top two quarterbacks.

While the Raiders would indeed welcome the addition of one of the many exceptional tackles in the year’s draft, obtaining more picks could be more beneficial to a club still in rebuilding mode. Oakland needs help on both sides of the ball in the trenches and could end up with two capable players instead of just one.

The Raiders have been linked by many draft experts to Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, a likely top 10 pick. In addition, Alabama tackle Andre Smith has been mentioned as a possibility. While Oakland would prefer to bring in Virginia’s Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith of Baylor, it’s unlikely either will be on the board.

If the Raiders trade down, they could gather a handful of picks and even end up with two choices in Round 1. The current draft value chart shows the seventh overall pick with a value of 1,500 points. One logical scenario could involve the Philadelphia Eagles contacting Oakland about a trade.

The Eagles hold the 21st and 28th picks and have been rumored to be interested in moving up. If a prospect they covet is still available, it makes sense for the two parties to work out a deal. According to the value chart, picks No. 21 and 28 combine for a total of 1,460 points. Philadelphia could include a future late-round pick to overcome the slight disparity.

If this scenario plays out and the Raiders trade down, they’d likely be able to obtain extreme value. Among other areas, Oakland is in need of help along the offensive line and at receiver. If the cards fall right, the Raiders could acquire the likes of Michal Oher or Eben Britton at pick No. 21 and still have their choice of wideouts with the 28th selection.

Although passing on a player such as Crabtree would be a tough decision, two first-round picks would be a difficult proposal to turn down. Furthermore, it would supply Oakland with three selections in the first 40 picks of the draft.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To...
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