2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after Week 10
. Defensive End. Florida State Seminoles. Brian Burns. 6. player. 28
After trading away a potential defensive player of the year candidate Khalil Mack during the offeseason, the Raiders have immediate needs for pass rushers. Oakland has just seven sacks this season and if you can’t get to the quarterback in the AFC West your team is destined for failure.
It also helps keep pressure off of your own offense, as a strong pass rush can cause headaches for teams with multi-purpose backs such as Melvin Gordon and Kareem Hunt.
With their first pick in the draft, the Raiders will look to Brian Burns out of Florida State to help them shore up the defensive line. Burns has been phenomenal this season for the Seminoles, as he has 28 tackles and nine sacks this season. It has helped the Seminoles give up just a shade over 100 yards per game heading into this weekend.
In the Seminoles loss to North Carolina State this weekend, he finished with four tackles and two tackles for a loss.
Oakland’s coaching staff will be pleasantly surprised to see Burns waiting for them at this spot. It wouldn’t be overly optimistic to think he can get at least seven or eight sacks his rookie season.
If the Raiders decide to go a different route with this pick they could look at a quarterback or wide receiver with who potential needs at those positions as well.