NFL Mock Draft 2013: Raiders projected to pick Star Lotulelei in latest mock draft

The NFL Combine starts this week, and most draft boards are expected to get a big shakeup when all is said and done. Few teams will be watching the top prospects closer than the Oakland Raiders, who hold the third overall pick in the draft.

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SB Nation's Dan Kadar released his latest mock draft on Monday. In it, he has the Raiders selecting Utah DT Star Lotulelei:

The Raiders will be in a difficult spot with the third pick and Smith is gone. The team needs help along the defensive line, whether its a pass rusher or a run stopper. With Richard Seymour gone and Desmond Bryant an unrestricted free agent set to cash in, the Raiders could be forced to take Lotulelei. He can play both tackle spots in a four-man front and anywhere in a three-man set.

If the Raiders do manage to re-sign Bryant, they could go with a defensive end like Damontre Moore or Dion Jordan with this pick. Sharrif Floyd is rapidly rising up draft boards and would also be a sensible pick here.

Oakland is so bereft of talent on the defense that they could almost go BPA with this pick and fans will be happy. They badly need an infusion of young talent on this side of the ball.

Check out SB Nation's scouting report on Lotulelei here.