There will be, at least, one player from Indiana’s national championship team drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders this month.
Barring a truly shocking development, the Raiders will select Hoosiers’ Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. But Mendoza may not be the only Indiana player the Raiders select. After all with all the film Las Vegas has watched of Mendoza and their team spent at the school at its pro day last week, the Raiders had to notice other players.
Plus, they have some needs all over the field:
Here is a look at some Indiana players who could join Mendoza in Las Vegas:
CB D’Angelo Ponds:
He is a tough slot cornerback who will likely be available in the mid point of the second round. The Raiders own the No. 36 overall pick and that be a tad early for Ponds, especially with other needs. But if Las Vegas trades down (which is a real possibility), Ponds could be a target in the No. 40-50 range.
WR Elijah Sarratt:
Fellow Hoosiers’ wide receiver Omar Cooper is expected to be late in the second half of the first round. There is always a chance the Raiders, who are are closely studying wide receivers in the draft process, could trade up to take Cooper. But Sarratt may be easier to obtain. He is expected to be a lower-third round prospect, so he may be a reach for the Raiders at No. 67. But the Raiders have three picks in the fourth round and perhaps he could be a trade-up option. Mendoza and Sarratt already have a great chemistry and they would have a chance to flourish together at the next level.
LB Aiden Fisher:
The playmaking linebacker has ability and has fans around the league. He is expected be a fourth or fifth-round pick. The Raiders could use developing a young linebacker, so Fisher could be an interesting Day Three get.
C Pat Coogan:
Coogan is expected to be a late-round prospect. the Raiders could develop a young center behind big-time free-agent acqusition Tyler Linderbaum. Mendoza and Coogan could really help each in training camp.
RB Kaelon Black
The Raiders have a visit with Black. He may be a late-round pick, but it wouldn’t be a shock if Las Vegas pursues him.
S Louis Moore
The Raiders may be looking for safeties on Day 3 and Moore could be a fit.
