NFL Draft Rumors: Derek Carr was top-rated player on Raiders’ draft board heading into the second round

Feb 21, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders drafted Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr with the No. 36 overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The Raiders had him as the top-rated player on the board and abandoned their draft strategy to take him, while staying true to their draft board.

From CSN Bay Area:

"The Raiders ranked Carr among the NFL draft’s top quarterbacks and, heading into Friday’s second round, he was the top-rated player on their big board. The Raiders couldn’t pass up a passer many expected to be a first-round talent.As director of player personnel Joey Clinkscales put it, the Raiders “stayed true to our (draft) board.”"

That isn’t to say that the Raiders didn’t want Carr, they just didn’t expect him to be there. They’re by all means happy to have gotten Carr in the second round. The Raiders original plan was to trade down and gain more picks.