Levi Edwards

Blaise Rogers from Illinois asks:

"Should we go best player available in the draft or go to a position of need?"

When it comes to drafting best player available versus position of need for an NFL team, you don't have to do one or the other you should do both.

This coincides well with Pete Carroll's mantra of always wanting a high level of competition on his roster. No one's job is secure, you have to earn it.

A good example that comes to mind is when Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks received criticism for drafting Russell Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft after signing Matt Flynn to a significant multi-year contract. A season later, Wilson led that team to their first Super Bowl title in franchise history and secured his second of what would be 10 Pro Bowl selections to date.

Or you can even look at what the Raiders did this past draft selectingBrock Bowersat No. 13 after selectingMichael Mayerin the second round in 2023. Bowers then proceeded to lead all tight ends in receiving yards (1,194) and receptions (112) and was the only rookie toreceive AP First-Team All-Pro honors.

"I think we're going to make the best decision for the Raiders," General Manager John Spytek said at the NFL Combine. "And yes, we're not going to pass on elite talent because we maybe have a couple guys at that spot, but we're certainly not going to just force picks because we need a player, whether the public thinks that or we think that. I've been a part of doing that before. ... So to me, it's more about team building. What's best for the Raiders? How can we make this work? It's not about collecting talent, and it's not about just filling a roster out either."

All that being said, I agree with Spytek. If the Raiders draft players they feel are best for the team regardless of position, it will lead to success. This is the NFL; every position is a position of need.

Bleu Derry asks:

"Any feelings that the Raiders could trade back from No. 6?"

Spytek has alluded to everything being on the table several times this offseason. That includes trading up or trading back in this year's draft.

It's difficult to assume what the draft board will look like, but there's a good chance that top prospects such as Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter and Mason Graham are gone by the time the No. 6 pick rolls around. However, considering the ample amount of prospects still available, it's possible the Silver and Black could trade back a few spots and get more assets while still landing their guy.

Picks 7-9 are held by the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, who have their ideal starting running backs in Breece Hall, Chuba Hubbard and Alvin Kamara. If the Raiders are as high on Ashton Jeanty as mock drafts suggest, they could still select him with one of those picks. The same could also apply to defensive backs Malaki Starks or Will Johnson, who both said they met with the Raiders at the NFL Combine.

However, the Raiders or any NFL team should always be cautious when it comes to trading back. If your guy is there at your allotted pick, there's no need to waste time and potentially lose out.

Sean Santiago asks:

"This past free agency, our organization lost four defensive starters. Our depth at linebacker is at question. You think we should draft a linebacker with sideline to sideline ability this coming April?"

Elandon Robertsis a good start to replacing starting linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, who signed with new teams this month.

As for which round the Silver and Black could draft another linebacker, or two, in I can't predict. But there's a few in this class that would fit the bill. First, you have to contemplate the chance of selecting Jihaad Campbell in the first round, universally considered one of the top off-ball linebackers among his peers. The 21-year-old Alabama player was a First-Team All-SEC selection this past season as he totaled 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles. He took the NFL Combine by storm, ranking in the top three of all linebackers in the 40-yard dash (4.52), 10-yard spilt (1.53) and broad jump (10-foot-7).

Georgia also has a pair of linebackers that can't be ignored in Smael Mondon Jr. and reigning Butkus Award winner Jalon Walker. Mondon Jr. has compiled 71 solo tackles and six sacks in his last two seasons and also had the top 10-yard split (T-1.52) and broad jump (10-foot-10) at the NFL Combine among linebackers. Walker proved he can excel as a 3-4 edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker in college, totaling 12.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and three pass deflections in his collegiate career.