Baltimore Beatdown readers draft the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders

Yesterday’s selection featured San Francisco taking a top-notch defensive back, as Minkah Fitzpatrick heads to the west coast. The 49ers must be thrilled with this crop of players, as multiple blue-chip defenders sat in wait. It was a closer race than the previous votes, but never was Minkah not the top option.

Previous voting links:

1. Cleveland Browns — Sam Darnold
2. New York Giants — RB Saquon Barkley
3. New York Jets — QB Josh Rosen
4. Cleveland Browns — DE Bradley Chubb
5. Denver Broncos — QB Baker Mayfield
6. Indianapolis Colts — OG Quenton Nelson
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — SS Derwin James
8. Chicago Bears — LB Tremaine Edmunds
9. San Francisco 49ers — DB Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Oakland Raiders are now on the clock!

Possible picks:

1. LB Roquan Smith — Every big name mock draft has the Raiders taking either Tremaine Edmunds or Smith. In this fan vote, Tremaine was off the board two selections ago, and San Fran went Fitzpatrick. This leaves the Georgia ‘backer in prime position to don the silver and black. Great fit, great need and overall, a solid landing spot.
2. CB Denzel Ward — Last year, the Raiders picked Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley, in the first round. To go back-to-back on cornerbacks isn’t a bad thing, certainly when they’re both top ten talent, with chemistry already formed from being teammates back at Ohio State. A young, shut down corner can turn a team from bad to good, and a defense from mediocre to great. Just look at Marshon Lattimore with the New Orleans Saints, another teammate of Denzel’s.
3. DT Vita Vea — A threat in the trenches can really turn a defense around, and Vita Vea’s production in college looks transferable to the NFL level. He’s too big and fast to not be considered here at ten. Also, pulling more attention from Khalil Mack will work wonders for this franchise. Mack is a nightmare, ask the Denver Broncos.
4. OT Mike McGlinchey — The Raiders need youth on the line, certainly with Donald Penn turning 35 at the end of April. McGlinchey is a great tackle with NFL starter quality written all over him. It also doesn’t hurt when you’re placed next to either Kelechi Osemele or Gabe Jackson for your rookie season.