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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Rosen goes to Broncos

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs upfield during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs upfield during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

28. . Linebacker. Georgia. Roquan Smith. 10. player

When you look back at the 2017 NFL season,  there are few teams who disappointed more than the Oakland Raiders. Coming off a 12-4 season, many expected the Raiders to challenge for supremacy in the AFC, but they could not even clinch a Wild Card spot. Looking forward to 2018, there is a new head coach in time, and while it is a familiar face in Jon Gruden, he has a lot of work to do.

On offense, the team should bounce back, as quarterback Derek Carr is going to benefit from having Gruden around. The defense, however, needs a lot of work, especially at linebacker and in the secondary. While the Raiders could certainly pick a defensive back at No. 10, they drafted Gareon Conley in the first round last  year, and expect him to play a huge role in their defense going forward.

One name that could be called by the Raiders is Roquan Smith, who is one of the better linebackers this draft class has to offer. Smith is the kind of player who can play sideline to sideline, and he would be looked at as a leader in the linebacker group from day one. He played his best games in the biggest games of the season, and the Raiders need to add a player with his skill set to their defense in they want to take the next step in their development next season.

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