Oakland Raiders send scouts home to keep draft decisions secret

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NFL's Oakland Raiders pulled a surprising move to secure their decisions in the 2019 NFL Draft by sending all of the team's scouts home on Friday, asking them not to return before April 25 when the draft happens, reported NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Having three first-round picks – No.4, No.24 and No.27 – in their hands, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock knew their weight in the draft. Meanwhile, the team only won four games last season, ranked No.16 in the American Football Conference (AFC) and had been busy sending away their franchise players. Therefore, Gruden and Mayock cannot afford to make mistakes with their picks – they are counting on them for team rebuilding.

Since they sent Khalil Mack away, the Raiders in the 2018 season achieved in total 13 sacks, meaning that they are desperate for good players on the defensive end. However, that's not the only position they need to improve. It will take some fundamental upgrades in cornerback, linebacker, tight end and safety before the team becomes competitive again.

Are the Raiders able to get what they want in the 2019 NFL Draft? Let's take a look at those promising young men from the universities.

Devin White, linebacker, Louisiana State University

Linebacker Devin White of LSU works out on Day 4 of the NFL Combine at the Lucas Oil Stadium, March 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

21-year-old White is probably the best linebacker of this year's draft. Thanks to his speed, which allows him to finish the 40-yard (36.58 meters) dash in 4.42 seconds, and his explosiveness, which allows him to jump one meter vertically, he could claim 12 sacks in one season.

Josh Jacobs, running back, University of Alabama

Josh Jacobs, #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide, runs with the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at the Hard Rock Stadium, December 29, 2018. /VCG Photo

It's true that Jacobs is not fast – he finished 40 yards in 4.6 seconds, but he proved himself as a reliable option in key games with his strong body, low centroid and passion for physical play. In 2017, he had 284 yards on 46 carries with one touchdown while suffering from a broken ankle. In 2018, Jacobs was named the MVP of the 2018 SEC Championship Game after rushing for 83 yards with two touchdowns.

D.K. Metcalf, wide receiver, University of Mississippi

Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf of Ole Miss works out on Day 3 of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

Though Metcalf only played eight games because of injury last season, his measurables showed what a monster he is. With a height of 1.90 meters and a weight of 103 kilograms, Metcalf finished the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds, jumped one meter vertically and 3.4 meters horizontally. Such combination of size and athleticism remind you of Calvin "Megatron" Johnson Jr.

Kyler Murray, quarterback, University of Oklahoma

Kyler Murray, #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners, scrambles with the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium, December 29, 2018. /VCG Photo

First, let's put the story about him and baseball aside and focus on his football career. In 2018, Murray dominated the NCAA, throwing for 4,361 yards, running for another 1,001, accounting for 54 total touchdowns (42 passing, 12 rushing) and leading Oklahoma back to the playoffs. Murray also won the Heisman Trophy that year. Some scouts believe he will be better than Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.

(Top image: Head Coach Jon Gruden (L) and general manager Mike Mayock (R) of the Oakland Raiders /VCG Photo)