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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after CFP Semifinals

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) and defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sack Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) and defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sack Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

28. . DL. Auburn. Carl Lawson. 30. player

The Oakland Raiders are one of the best up-and-coming teams in the NFL and they just lost out on the division title Sunday with a loss to Denver, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a bright future ahead.

Many people are concerned with the injury to Derek Carr, but it’s likely only to keep him out 6-8 weeks and he will be healed up for the 2017 season. The quarterback position and the platoon of running backs with Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper in the receiving corps must mean that the needs are on the defensive side of the ball.

Oakland could use some linebacker help as well as a defensive back, but why not add some pass rushing help if a guy like Carl Lawson is there late in the first round? Lawson is a powerful down lineman and can cause some havoc up front. He has strong arms and can make his way into the backfield with ease.

There are some concerns about previous injuries that caused him to miss an entire year as well as half a season. However, he shut down some of those worrisome scouts with an impressive 2016 season. He finished the regular season with 28 tackles, 13 for loss and 9.5 sacks.

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