2015 NFL Mock Draft: Oakland Raiders Select Dante Fowler

The fourth selection is in for the 2015 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft, and this selection belongs to the Oakland Raiders and their General Manager, DriveableGuide9. The Raiders, like most teams at the top of the draft, can go in any number of directions, and the Raiders took an interesting one here.

With the fourth pick of the 2015 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft, the Oakland Raiders select. . .

Dante Fowler, defensive end, University of Florida

Here's the reasoning provided to me by DriveableGuide9 as to why he selected Fowler for the Raiders:

The Raiders had the least amount of sacks in the NFL last year (seven) on a defense that was only slightly below average. Fowler is in my opinion the most versatile defensive player in the draft this year. He is quick and is surprisingly good at bullrushing for a player of his size. I think Fowler (261 lbs) needs to add a bit of weight to be a good fit at defensive end in their 4-3 defense but I don't think this should be that big of an issue. I like McKenzie's drafting ability and think he will still be able to fill the Raider's largest need that is wide receiver in the second or third round of the draft. The options at defensive end in the second round will likely be inferior prospects (Preston Smith, Danielle Hunter). Meanwhile I think there will still be good receivers to be had in the second round (Devin Smith, DGB).

My Thoughts

After their selection of Khalil Mack last season, the Raiders go back to the outside linebacker/pass rusher well in this scenario with Fowler. Fowler has the strength to play defensive end in a 4-3 type of scheme, but his real value is going to come from rushing the passer, whether he does that from the front four or slightly more off the ball. He's the sort of boom-or-bust prospect that takes one back to the days of Al Davis running the Raiders' front office, but if Fowler pans out, he and Mack could be the primary building blocks of a defensive resurgence in Oakland. I can't argue with this pick too much, to be honest.

So, what does everyone else think of this selection?