2017 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders 7-round mock
Jaleel Johnson
Defensive Tackle, Iowa
Right back to the defense for the Raiders in round three and right back to the front seven. The Raiders have some playmakers on their defensive line, but they need to continue to build it up with depth and talent at every spot. Johnson provides both and could be another player taking major snaps as a freshman.
Johnson is a player who will fall to the third round because of his low ceiling. However, he will be a great value in the third round because of his high floor. He is a technically sound player and can win with hands and his precise movement to push pockets, and clog the middle against the run. He also has a great motor and an ability to stay active as a pass rusher.
However, his burst, lateral movement and athleticism will not translate to sack numbers in the NFL, and his best bet may be a two down player. However, that is exactly what the Raiders need. With players such as Khalil Mack, Mario Edwards, Jihan Ward, and Bruce Irvin they can slide some pass rushing talent inside on nickel downs and create a barricade of pass rushers.
Johnson can rotate in with Dan Williams, Justin Ellis and Darius Latham to stop the run and set up those third down obvious pass situations. It makes him a great value pick in the third round.