NFL Draft 2019: 5 teams most likely to trade in first round

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first quarter of Super Bowl LIII between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots on February 3, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders in action during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders make the list for two reasons. First, Mike Mayock will want to prove himself to be savvy and bold in his first NFL Draft. In a purely theoretical sense, the draft should be where Mayock earns his keep for the Raiders. Hell, he was one of the top analysts of the event over the last decade, rivaling names such as ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr.

Interestingly enough, with three first-round picks, the Raiders could go either way (up or down). They could choose to trade down and accumulate more picks, particularly for a second-rounder where there ought to be tremendous value. Or, they could choose to package the two later picks in the first round and procure a second, top-10 talent.

Conventional wisdom would suggest that, with several holes to fill, Oakland is likely to take the former option. But, we should not be surprised if they fall in love with a second top prospect, and risk it all to move up.

Oakland needs a bevy of help, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Lamarcus Joyner was the only impact free agent on that side of the ball, so the Raiders should be looking for pass-rush help alongside a cornerback or two in the early going.

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