PITTSBURGH — The Raiders will set a new course Thursday when they officially make Fernando Mendozathe first pick in the NFL draft.
There are no guarantees in life — and certainly not when it comes to first-round quarterbacks. But the Indiana Heisman Trophy winner and national champion is as clean a prospect as you’ll find. And to their credit, the Raiders have done an admirable job prepping for his arrival, determined to be the reason he succeeds rather than fails.
From new coach Klint Kubiak, a noted quarterback whisperer coming off a Super Bowl championship as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, to a revamped offensive line bolstered by the signing of All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, a defensive reset, and the prior drafting of star tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, the infrastructure the Raiders have built for Mendoza should expedite his transition from college to the NFL.
That is on top of the nine other picks they have over the course of the draft, most of which are at or near the top of every round. The headway they can make is real.
For the first time in forever, things are looking up for the Raiders.
But then, what is the NFL draft if not the selling of hope?
It’s no different for the Rams, Chargers and 49ers. Not so much in anticipation of a major breakthrough like the Raiders, necessarily, but if just enough magic, good fortune and solid decision-making is in the air over the next three days, each team can take a significant step forward in realizing their ultimate dreams.
Here is a look at what each team needs to do to make that push forward:
Thanks to the draft-day tradethe Ramsmade with the Falcons last year, they hold the 13th pick overall in the first round Thursday. The possibilities are endless, with impact players at a handful of positions available to them.
Whether it’s addressing a long-term need, like a future starter at tackle, or upgrading at wide receiver, in the secondary or along the defensive line, the Rams are in a great position to add premier talent to an already top-notch roster.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
