Raiders HC reveals thoughts on taking a prospect with off-field issues
The Las Vegas Raiders have the number seven pick in the upcoming draft, and frankly, have some tough decisions to make. They need defensive help, but can also get the quarterback of their future. The draft and what we think teams ahead of the Raiders will be doing has changed so much based on combine […]
The Las Vegas Raiders have the number seven pick in the upcoming draft, and frankly, have some tough decisions to make. They need defensive help, but can also get the quarterback of their future.
The draft and what we think teams ahead of the Raiders will be doing has changed so much based on combine performances, pro days, and even off-the-field stuff. One guy in Jalen Carter was originally projected to be the number-one pick. But after the Chicago Bears traded out of the first pick, and hearing about his off-field issues along with his poor pro day, he has moved down significantly.
He is now being projected to be picked around the 10th spot by most mock drafts, which means the Raiders could have a shot at him.
But, after the things they have dealt with over the years in terms of guys and their off-the-field situations, they would want to make sure they get this one right too. Josh McDaniels spoke about that during the annual league meetings.
"We’ll do everything that we have to do to make sure that, not only with Jalen but any other payer, we understand exactly what the truth is, what we’re talking about, who we’re getting, if we select them…I don’t rush to judgment on any of those things because I think sometimes when you do that, you’ll make a mistake.”
That's something that you want your coach to say. McDaniels comes from the New England Patriots system, where they don't often have stuff happen to guys off the field, and that may be because of Bill Belichick. But now, he is the head coach, and I'm sure he would like to replicate that for his team as well.
Carter has the talent on tape that shows he can be an elite defensive tackle in the league. The guy has won two national championships in a row, so he is a winner. He was one of the best guys at his position when it came to run stop and pass rush.
But most importantly, he fills a huge need the Raiders have. They lost Andrew Billings this offseason to the Chicago Bears, and while that may not sound like a big loss for the Raiders just because he isn't a big name, it's huge. They need defensive tackle help, guys who can put pressure on the pocket, fill gaps, all the things that will only help the edge rushers get to the quarterback.
Carter can do that and some. If the Raiders take him, we will know that they have enough trust in him and believe in him enough to invest their future in him.
