NFL Mock Draft 2013: Oakland Raiders Select…
By Josh Sanchez
This selection was made by Eric He of Golden Gate Sports.
With the third pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select Shariff Floyd, defensive tackle, Florida.
It is safe to say that the Raiders could use an upgrade at nearly every defensive position, so drafting Floyd will fill in one of those many holes. The Raiders have an awful pass rush, finishing second to last in the league with a miserable 25 sacks last season. Floyd only picked up three sacks on the season, but he finished strong, with three sacks in his final two games (and two in the 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl). Floyd has received comparisons to J.J. Watt, who has had a spectacular run so far in the NFL.
Floyd appears to be a top five lock, and the Raiders could pounce on the star defensive tackle if he is there. Oakland isn’t going to take Geno Smith now that they have Matt Flynn (and Terrelle Pryor as a backup), and their biggest hole is on the defensive line. If Floyd can be an effective pass rusher, he can change the whole dynamic of the defense.
Here is how the draft currently stands:
1. Kansas City Chiefs — Eric Fisher, offensive tackle, Central Michigan
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Dion Jordan, defensive end, Oregon