If the Raiders do in fact choose a quarterback with their first selection in the first round, it may mean missing out on some of the class’ elite pass rushers. It’s no secret that the team needs help after the disastrous pass rushing situation last season following its trade of Khalil Mack.
If the team ends up without names like Kentucky’s Josh Allen or Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat at the top of the first round, they could instead turn to a player like Oregon’s Jalen Jelks in the middle rounds.
Jelks (6-foot-5, 256 pounds) presents similar size and length to many of the draft’s top EDGE prospects, though he is much more raw in his overall development. Jelks has been featured all over the Ducks’ defense during his time in Eugene, making his projection to a position at the NFL level a bit difficult. Despite this, he managed to be productive, and was a valuable contributor ever since his freshman season.
Four selections in the first two rounds could give the Raiders the flexibility to trade for a pass rusher rather than take one at the top of the draft, if they choose, and if that’s the case, look for a prospect like Jalen Jelks to be near the top of their board in the middle rounds.