Pro Football Focus released a three-round mock draft Wednesday, and the data-driven website sent Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright to the Oakland Raiders in the middle of the second round.
Although no mock draft should be taken as gospel – they’re all projections, some based more in reality than others – this is a relatively significant development in that it reflects how Wright’s stock has dipped.
PFF senior analyst Steve Palazzolo has been one of Wright’s biggest advocates and placed him in the first round of a mock draft earlier this year. But pre-draft workouts have not helped Wright’s cause. Arizona’s recent pro day essentially became an exercise in damage control after his poor performance at February’s NFL scouting combine.
Based on what I’ve heard and seen, PFF’s latest projection – No. 44 overall – seems to be the draft ceiling for Wright. The floor could be a full two rounds later.
Here’s what Palazzolo wrote about Wright:
“Wright battled injury in 2015, but he was a force in the run game in 2014, posting the nation’s second-best grade. His play-recognition skills are excellent, and they make up for his subpar athleticism. He should be a strong run defender and viable zone coverage defender at the next level.”
The Raiders play a 4-3 defense under second-year coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. They do not have an established starting middle linebacker (unless Super Bowl XLVIII MVP Malcolm Smith moves there on a permanent basis).
In his latest mock draft, Todd McShay of ESPN.com has Oakland taking Alabama inside ’backer Reggie Ragland in the first round. NFL.com lists inside linebacker among the Raiders’ top five team needs.
