2014 NFL mock draft: Raiders select Sammy Watkins

With the fifth pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2014 NFL mock draft, the Oakland Raiders select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins. DrewsLions is serving as the Raiders' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

Alright, let me preface this pick by saying that if I am Reggie McKenzie, I am expecting my phone to be ringing the minute I am on the clock in this situation (and one of those incoming calls better be the Lions). And I would jump at that opportunity if I were him, as well. The Raiders have so many needs, and more picks would be the ticket here. But alas, trading in this mock is not an option, which means I have to pick the best player for this team. I could go in a number of different directions, and I have to admit, selfishly, I like that this draft is setting up well for the Lions. There is a desire to keep it going that way, but I wouldn't do the pick justice if I did that.

I can see the top three players on my board fitting in nicely here, and all are a need of some sort. My current board is 1) Sammy Watkins, 2) Khalil Mack and 3) Jake Matthews. Even though the Raiders could likely use another tackle and their defense was rated 29th in points per game, I am going with my gut, and I think Watkins is going to be special. I almost feel like it would be hypocritical to pass on him after hyping him as one of the best players and then being the GM for a team that needs playmakers. Now that Matt Schaub is "contractually" the QB of the near future, I think that he needs some weapons if he is going to succeed. In fact, if Schaub can prove that last year was a fluke, an offense with Watkins, James Jones and Denarius Moore, along with Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden in the backfield, starts looking a bit more formidable.

One last note: I did consider Teddy Bridgewater here as well. It's my belief that the Raiders have a lot of faith in Schaub and aren't looking to supplant him with this pick in the draft. I think the Raiders would pass; therefore, I pass as well.

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Check out the 2014 POD Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.