Travis Long And The NFL: Oakland Raiders

Stacked Against The Pick:

Nov 6, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Detailed view of an Oakland Raiders helmet on the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. Denver defeated Oakland 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders have had their fair share of problems along the defensive front seven. Three of their D lineman are unrestricted free agents, and one of them, Desmond Bryant, got arrested on the weekend of the combine; just adding to the ever so pressing need to find that elite pass rusher.Good news is, the linebacker position isn’t AS bad, but it aint much better. They just released former 1st round pick, Rolando McClain, making their need to pick up a inside linebacker; and as versatile Travis Long seems to be, I don’t think he would be a good fit there.

The Perfect Storm: 

I think the goal for the Raiders is to trade their third pick in the draft, move back, and get more picks; anybody remember the Julio Jones draft day trade? The browns nabbed five picks, for the sixth pick in the draft. If that does happen, the chances of Travis Long landing with the Raiders.

Look for the Raiders to draft that elite speed rusher in the first round, and if they fill their void at inside linebacker early in the draft; I think they could look Travis Longs way late in the draft. He would add great depth, and flexibility be able to play outside linebacker, or defensive end. I think hes more a DE, but the versatility makes his value increase.

Likelihood Long Gets Drafted By The Raiders: 

B+: The Raiders need depth everywhere, and D line is their number one need. I think they take an elite pass rusher early, and look for depth later in the draft, hopefully coming in the form of Travis Long.