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The Oakland Raiders have been dealing with a crippled draft in some form or another for the last few years. Trades for players like Carson Palmer may have set the organization back when it comes to their young talent, but this time around, they've got a top pick and they've managed to hang on to it.
Matthew Fairburn of SB Nation put out his latest mock draft on Monday, and he has the Raiders using the No. 3 overall pick in the draft on Sheldon Richardson, a defensive end out of Missouri.
3. Oakland Raiders - Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri - Scouting Report
The Raiders desperately need to improve the interior of their defensive line. Sheldon Richardson will blow up the combine after a dominant season at Mizzou. He's disruptive and displayed an improved motor over the course of his career. Richardson is a scheme-versatile defensive tackle who should come off the board in the top 10.
Oakland traded for Richard Seymour some time ago, and despite initial cries that yet another team got fleeced by the New England Patriots in a trade, Seymour has been an impact player for the Silver and Black.
Of course, it hasn't translated to raw wins, with only the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs "boasting" higher picks than the Raiders. Bringing in a young, explosive player in Richardson is not only a good move for their needs, it's a smart and very "safe" pick.