The Oakland Raiders will be looking to draft the best player available with the the No. 3 overall selection 2013 NFL Draft, according to the Contra Costa Times. General manager Reggie McKenzie indicated that the organization likely won't be trading out of the No. 3 slot, and reiterated his draft philosophy, saying, "I think you try and draft the best player, and fill that need down the line."
NFL Draft 2013: Oakland Raiders will not draft for need
The Oakland Raiders need help all over the field, but along the defensive line and in the secondary especially. That doesn’t mean they won’t be enticed by a big name at No. 3 overall, however.
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Fortunately for the Raiders, their team needs could line up well with the best available. Defensive tackle appears to be their biggest hole at the moment, and the 2013 draft class is well-stocked at the position. Utah's Star Lotulelei and Missouri's Sheldon Richardson are both considered top five prospects on SB Nation's big board. Florida's Sharrif Floyd is ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect, and is the Raiders' projected pick in SB Nation's latest mock draft.
The Raiders also need a lot of help at tight end and in the secondary, though any prospects at those positions would likely be considered a reach at No. 3 overall. However, they could target a pass-rushing outside linebacker or defensive end, of which there is no shortage this year. One of Barkevious Mingo, Dion Jordan or Ezekiel Ansah could be a huge boost to a foundering defense.
McKenzie is in his second year as the Raiders’ GM, and will have the use of a first round pick for the first time in his career (the Raiders didn’t make their first selection until the third round last season). He has a long way to go to flesh out his draft day legacy, though how he handles the No. 3 pick could have a big impact on his reputation.
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