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We're back for the fifth pick of the 2014 Niners Nation Community Mock Draft. We got going yesterday with the first three picks, which you can see below in the draft table. You can also follow the mock draft board through this story stream.
With the fifth pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, Mark Balliet and the Oakland Raiders select Mike Evans, wide receiver, Texas A&M. Here is a quick rundown of the alternates he considered. Some of the alternates he considered included Buffalo OLB Khalil Mack and Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews. Here are his thoughts on the pick:
Without the ability to trade down, the best thing to do is draft the best player available rather than reaching for a certain player. It's rare when the BPA and the debatably biggest need of a team match up but this is one of those rare cases. I understand Khalil Mack is held in high regards by most (rightfully so) but with the moves the Raiders made this offseason it's obvious they are content with their current core for the short term.
Mike Evans will supply Matt Schaub with a big receiver with huge hands similar to the way Andre Johnson did for the Texans. Evans is a good route runner with a unique ability to advantageously position himself while the ball is in the air to give himself the chance to go up and get the ball. He makes spectacular catches and always seems to find a way to come down with the ball. He blocks very well and makes it difficult to distinguish rather it's a run or pass because he goes just as hard on run plays. Evans is a supreme athlete standing at 6'5 and running a 4.53 40-yard dash and will be an elite receiver for years to come.
Trevor Woods: With Watkins off the board, Evans is the best receiver left available and fills a huge need for the Raiders. Matt Schaub will need all the help he can get, and adding a stud receiver will help the Raiders offense be a little less putrid. Does anyone else feel sorry for whoever gets drafted by the Raiders?
Nick Chiamardas: For the better part of this century, the Raiders have whiffed on their first round pick when they've had one. After addressing many significant needs in free agency (and surprisingly well in my opinion) the Raiders actually have some momentum heading into the draft. It's understandable why Mark has selected Evans. The combination of size and speed and a ceiling compared to the likes of Calvin Johnson completely justifies the pick. However, there is a relatively high bust rate for WRs taken in the top 10. Now, that alone isn't a reason not to take Evans. In fact, with the new salary slotting system for drafted players, Evans isn't a terrible risk considering the potential reward. That said, I think the safer pick here would have been OT Jake Matthews. The Raiders did sign Donald Penn to, essentially, a one year deal so the teams future at LT is far from locked up. Matthews has the potential to man the LT spot in Oakland for the next 10 years and has been considered one of the draft's "can't miss prospects".
Round 1
1. |
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wiseguy545 |
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina [Full Story] |
2. |
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El Shorts | Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn [Full Story] |
3. |
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9er4life22 | Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville [Full Story] |
4. |
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Boss Clifford | Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson [Full Story] |
5. |
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Mark Balliet | Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M [Full Story] |
6. |
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CheekeeMunkee | |
7. |
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TopFlightSecurity | |
8. |
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Hoopers Judge | |
9. |
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jmart7 | |
10. |
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germinator | |
11. |
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49feelinfine | |
12. |
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superk0725 | |
13. |
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El Shorts | |
14. |
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BryKno | |
15. |
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SigepPT49er | |
16. |
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Mira Loma Maulers | |
17. |
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JMichael39 | |
18. |
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Desert Dog Runner | |
19. |
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albert.55 | |
20. |
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MidnightSpecial | |
21. |
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Rowingdave | |
22. |
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MisterEclectic | |
23. |
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Rowingdave | |
24. |
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BearAKA | |
25. |
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CraigRED&GOLD | |
26. |
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Boss Clifford | |
27. |
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Roy_from_Israel | |
28. |
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dave.bocchino | |
29. |
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49ersCusefan | |
30. |
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Tre9er | |
31. |
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ak4niner | |
32. |
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timmyg24 |