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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition

By Dani Bostick

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) celebrates defeating the LSU Tigers 31-28 during the second half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) celebrates defeating the LSU Tigers 31-28 during the second half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Ronnie Stanley. 5. player. 28. . OT. Notre Dame

The Raiders are playing better than expected so far this season, beating both the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns in consecutive games. 2014 draft pick Amari Cooper has been a plug-and-play contributor. They have some impressive talent at other positions as well, including Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith, who is currently entrenched in some off-field difficulties, but is still a beast on the field.

It’s time for the Raiders to invest in their offensive line. Donald Penn is getting up there in age, and the team lost Menelik Watson to a ruptured Achilles during the team’s preseason loss to the Cardinals. The line is performing well for now, and that has been a key to success they must maintain to be competitive in the future. Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley has only given up one sack in the last two seasons, is an effective blocker and is excellent in pass protection.

Scouts have praised him for his durability and quickness, also noting that he has football maturity and intelligence beyond his years. In fact, he had toyed with the idea of declaring for the 2015 draft, but decided to spend an extra year at Notre Dame.

Stanley filled in for Zack Martin last year after Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Martin was a Pro Bowler his rookie season, and Stanley is thought to be an even more talented, competent player.

Next: No. 6 Tennessee Titans

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