Mike Mayock Raiders Mock Draft: Oakland selects

With the fourth pick in Mike Mayock’s NFL mock draft, the Oakland Raiders select Amari Cooper, receiver, from Alabama. Mayock has Cooper rated as the second-best player at his position.

2014 Recap

Oakland lost its first 10 games but rallied toward the end of the season, going 3-3 over the last six. The Raiders watched as head coach Dennis Allen was fired after an 0-4 start, giving way to interim boss Tony Sparano. After the season, Jack Del Rio was appointed head coach. Del Rio looks to lead Oakland into the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Team needs

Oakland filled some holes in free agency, but still needs help on both offense and defense. The Raiders have issues at receiver and running back, along with defensive end and middle linebacker. The secondary is also soft, allowing too many big plays.

Last year’s pick

Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson. As fate would have it, the Raiders would watch Watkins go a pick ahead of them after the Buffalo Bills traded up. Oakland picked Khalil Mack, an outside linebacker from Buffalo, who turned in a terrific first season.

Scheduled pick

On Thursday night, the Raiders hold the fourth-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Tweet with Mayock’s pick