As the countdown ticks away to the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders are only beginning their draft process as they were without a first round pick. That can only mean one thing, that the Silver and Black need to make smart, effective picks from here on out. ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. have made their latest mock drafts for the second round, and have the Raiders looking to fill separate holes in the rosters.
Todd McShay has the Raiders taking Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett with the 48th overall pick in his latest mock. Mallett could definitely be the next starting QB for the Raiders if he can stall healthy, because he’s got the skills to succeed in the NFL. It will be up to how the Raiders handle his development, hopefully not forcing him into a starting role out of the gate a la JaMarcus Russell, and let him progress naturally into the starting position.
Mel Kiper Jr. has the Raiders taking Oregon State DT Stephen Paea with the 48th overall pick in his latest mock. Paea is a big body that can help shore up the Radiers D line, especially in the running game. He, like Mallett, has the skill set to become a factor on the team almost immediately, but will need to work his way into the starting lineup for the Silver and Black.
The second round of the 2011 NFL Draft starts at 6 p.m. (ET) on Friday, April 29th and SB Nation has everything you need to prepare for it – NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL draft schedule and more. Check it all out at SB Nation’s NFL Hub and our NFL Draft blog Mocking the Draft. Lastly, for more Oakland Raiders coverage, check out our team blog Silver And Black Pride.