Montez Sweat is falling because of a medical issue revealed during testing at the combine. He’s definitely a top 10 player in this class, but he may not go in the first round because of that issue.
However, all it takes is for one team to clear Sweat medically and snag him. And the Raiders seem like the perfect candidate to do that. Just last year, they scooped up Maurice Hurst, who also was dealing with a heart condition, in the fifth round. Further back, they drafted D.J. Hayden in the first round despite the fact that he suffered a torn inferior vena cava in practice. So, they have a history of taking chances on players with medical risks.
It also helps that Sweat fills a massive need for the Raiders. Again, they only had 13 sacks last year and despite adding Ed Oliver, they need more pass rushing help. Sweat could be a double-digit sack artist in the NFL, so this would greatly improve the Raiders’ edge rush.
Other Raiders Draft Options
WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma. The Raiders could look to continue to add dynamic weapons to their offense, and they will probably have an interest in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown with one of their late first-round picks.
CB Greedy Williams, LSU. Williams could pique Jon Gruden’s interest, but he should be able to land either Rock Ya-Sin or Deandre Baker in Round 2.