Raiders Targeting Fresno State QB Derek Carr In A Trade Down Scenario?

Jason La Confora of CBS Sports is hearing that Oakland owner Mark Davis is “smitten” with Fresno State QB Derek Carr.

• La Confora acknowledges that pick No. 5 may be too high for Carr, but if Oakland moves down, you can “start penciling in Carr.”

Most of the conjecture to this point has moved away from Oakland selecting a quarterback with their first pick.  With QB Matt Schaub in the fold, it seemed as though they would use the fifth pick on a player who can make an immediate impact.

There has been no shortage of reports that Oakland would like to trade out of the No. 5 slot and there appears to be at least some interest from teams like the Lions and Bills in possibly moving into the top-five.

Opinions vary on Carr, but he possesses a strong arm and underrated athleticism.  He has received criticism for struggling against quality competition, most notably in his final game against USC.

If they do intend to move back and select Carr, they would likely have to stay in front of Arizona at pick No. 20, one of the few teams in the bottom half of round one believed to be interested in selecting a quarterback.

We have Oakland selecting Clemson WR Sammy Watkins in our most recent 2014 NFL Mock Draft.