The Raiders and 49ers had similar 2017 seasons. They were so alike, in fact, that it took a coin toss to decide NFL draft order. It was more of a production than Kyle Shanahan and Jon Gruden would’ve liked, broadcast live on NFL Network during the combine.
Rod Woodson was in charge of the flip, which fell in the 49ers’ favor. It seemed overblown at the time, but it ultimately determined Mike McGlinchey ended up in Santa Clara over Alameda.
There will be no coin flip to separate the Bay Area teams if they continue to struggle. Strength of schedule is the tiebreaker, meaning the 49ers currently sit atop the draft order after whooping the Raiders head to head.
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The Raiders have the No. 2 overall pick, as it stands today. That’s a key phrase if the NFL’s two-win teams — the Raiders, 49ers and Cardinals — continue to lose.
The Raiders play a daunting slate down the stretch, meaning their strength of schedule should go up and they easily could slip to third if wins remain equal.
The Cardinals have the easiest slate from here on out, so they could end up with the top spot. All three teams still are working hard to win games, though they’ve been hard to find unless playing each other.
The Raiders should be thankful for the two other first-round picks they acquired in the Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper trades, though those selections continue to plummet in the draft order as the Cowboys and Bears surge down the stretch.
NFL
Let’s look at where the Raiders’ first-round picks sit after Week 12 action:
No. 2 overall (Last week: No. 2)
How it was earned: This pick held strong after the 49ers, Raiders and Cardinals all lost, but don’t get comfortable here if all three teams win out. The Raiders likely would end up at No. 3 because of a solid list of playoff contenders remaining on their schedule. They’re right behind the 49ers now, with the Cardinals in tow.
No. 21 overall (Last week: No. 16)
How it was earned: The Cowboys have moved into a playoff position with a Thanksgiving win over Washington. That’s terrible news for Raiders fans because playoff teams ultimately are pushed below non-qualifiers in the draft order. And, to make matters even more frustrating for Raider Nation, Cooper has made a significant impact on Dallas’ offense. This pick might end up in this range.
No. 26 overall (Last week: No. 26)
How it was earned: I say this all the time in this space: The Bears were an attractive trade partner because the Raiders thought they would stink and offer a high pick for Khalil Mack. The opposite is happening. The Bears keep winning, even with Chase Daniel under center. Coach Matt Nagy has ‘em humming.