Could the Raiders Swap With Cardinals in NFL Draft?

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Typical wisdom says a team should use a valuable top five pick in the NFL draft but sometimes opportunities come up to cash in. Could the Oakland Raiders do that in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals?

Reggie McKenzie in a good spot to get extra picks

There was a time when the Raiders GM job was a wasteland because of the all-seeing eye of Al Davis hovering over the front office. That changed with the death of the iconic owner. Now Reggie McKenzie has a clean slate and the 3rd overall draft pick in his pocket. Oakland fans aren't thrilled with that news though. Too many times over the past seasons have high draft picks gotten thrown away in grave miscalculations. The most egregious of course was JaMarcus Russel going to them first overall in 2007. However, names like Robert Gallery, Michael Huff and Rolando McClain brings up many feelings of disappointment for Silver and Black faithful too. McKenzie has a lot of pressure on him to get his first draft pick right. The simple route is to use it on the roster area that needs the most help. Then again there is always the ever growing trend of auctioning the pick off to teams in the lower numbers. He can still hang on to a solid first round and possibly pick up another one for next season or extra picks for later in the current draft.

Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher shaping up as huge prizes in draft

Among the teams that would trade up for such a valuable pick, the Arizona Cardinals fit the bill the most. Their team already has talent in place, especially on defense but because of a horrific offense they landed the 7th overall pick in 2013. The big issue was an offensive line that surrendered a league-high 58 sacks. That is a number that has to get better and new head coach Bruce Arians knows that. The problem is his best shot at a top tier offensive tackle is likely just out of reach. The two names that stick out are Texas A&M star Luke Joeckel and fast-rising specimen Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan. Early mock drafts have Joeckel going anywhere from first to Kansas City to Philadelphia at fourth. What makes the Raiders in such a good spot is if the Chiefs take Joeckel that almost guarantees the Eagles will take a hard look at Fisher who many expert claim is just as good. That means the Cardinals will either reach for a less experienced or less talented tackle or settle for upgrading somewhere else. By trading up to the third spot they guarantee themselves Fisher with a very good shot at Joeckel too. In return the Raiders can secure the 7th overall pick and an additional one or two high picks.

NFL draft day is like a giant chess match. Every team looks for the decisive shot. The Oakland Raiders have the position and the pieces to do it. If Reggie McKenzie can get the Arizona Cardinals on board then it will turn into a good day for the Silver and Black.

LINK: http://sports.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981845599