Storyline: With the NFL Draft you just never know who might contribute in time, but here’s my take on who might play major roles in the Raiders’ future.
The NFL Draft has come to an end. It’s time for reactions.
Fan knowledge of draft prospects has increased because of all the pre-draft coverage. That means we’re all expert GMs, at least in our own minds. We all have instant reactions: our favorite team either made an intelligent, obvious choice or blew a pick on a stiff we’ve never heard of.
Courtesy: panicbutton.sportsblog.com
I lump myself in with these delusional fans because I have the same, instant reaction to the Draft. When an Oakland Raiders pick is announced my immediate reaction is often much different from final thoughts. So, after the selection is made, I read-up on the pick and try to put myself into the head of GM Reggie McKenzie. The multitude of factors the Raiders’ GM has to take into account with each pick is not something that can’t be processed instantly.
So in this article I’m going to examine each Oakland Raiders’ draft pick, one after the other, and offer my instant reaction. I’ll follow up the knee-jerk thoughts with researched and nuanced assessments.
1st Round – Karl Joseph, Safety, West Virginia
Instant: I like it! I think he’s the best safety in the draft, a big-time college playmaker. Once guys like Ezekiel Elliot, Sheldon Rankins, and Leonard Floyd were off-the-board I was all about Joseph. Why? It’s because he offers instant impact.
Research: I liked the pick of Joseph even more after reading about the man’s passion for the game and knowing he was a team leader and captain at WVU. His highlight reel is filled with all kinds of de-cleater type hits. This man can bring it! Joseph is not only a big, hitting-in-the-box safety, he also has shown ball-hawking and coverage ability. With Charles Woodson retiring (still hurts!) the Raiders desperately need playmakers in the secondary. Joseph definitely has that potential. He’s poised to be a future team leader.
2nd Round – Jihad Ward, Defensive Tackle/End, Illinois
Courtesy: fightingillini.com
Instant: Did we really draft a guy named Jihad? And why did we pick some dude from perennial Big Ten doormat Illinois? I never mind drafting depth on the defensive line, but what about A’Shawn Robinson from Alabama or Sheldon Day from Notre Dame? Both were higher-rated prospects according to most draft publications. This is a horrible pick!
Research: I’m still not sold on the selection. Ward seems like a somewhat of a project pick in the second round. Ward, a former wide receiver/tight end in high school and JUCO, shifted to the defensive line because he kept growing. So he’s very raw. Although he was a two-year starter for Illinois and a two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection, he didn’t have great-on-the field production. Ward was over-drafted according to most draft publications. But back in February ESPN draft guru, Mel Kiper, had a first round grade on Ward. His stock was definitely all over the place. It’s about future potential, not Ward’s past production. While I don’t love this pick in the second, in Reggie I trust … at least for now.
3rd Round – Shilique Calhoun, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Michigan State
Instant: Do I really have to root for a former Sparty? I’m a Michigan fan. But I’ve watched this guy dominate my team (and the opposition) for years, so I’m happy to have him in Silver & Black. You can never have too many pass rushers.
Research: It’s so easy to love a Raiders’ draft pick when you’ve personally witnessed the player ‘own’ the opposing O-line for years. I’ve seen Calhoun in person and multiple times on TV over the past several years. A game-changing defensive end for the Spartans, Calhoun terrorized QBs and was often the best player on the field. He’s a three-time All-American, two-time team captain, and 2013 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. The question is will this translate to NFL production? That has yet to be determined, but drafting a productive pass rusher who was ranked well above the draft position can’t be a bad pick. The funny thing is this: if Reggie had picked Calhoun in the 2nd and Ward in the 3rd the result would be the same (disregarding the player’s earnings), but the fan and draft analysts’ reactions would be much different. Oh, how I love the Draft!
4th Round – Conner Cook, Quarterback, Michigan State
Instant: Another Sparty? Did Reggie just trade up for a freaking QB? This does not help us for ’16 … and we still need a RB, LB and CB. This pick baffles me to no end. Why, Reggie, why?
Courtesy: freep.com
Research: Since the Raiders went back to East Lansing with their 4th round pick I’m again very familiar with the player. I’ve seen Cook ring up a 34-5 record, make clutch throws consistently each week, and lead (oxymoron alert!) his Spartans to be one of the best teams in the country over the past three years. Getting Cook in the 4th round is a steal. The Raiders may have not have needed a QB, but why not improve the most important position on the field? A Derek Carr injury makes Cook the most important Raider. Sorry, McGloin fans, but I’m guessing Cook beats out the undrafted, scrappy, but so tiny backup Raiders QB. This is a long-term pick made by a GM who is secure in his future. These are the types of picks that Bill Belichick or Ted Thompson makes and gets praised for. Bravo, Reggie, for making a future move to improve the team at a primary position. So my initial reaction changed more on this pick than any other in the draft — once I gave it some thought.
5th Round – DeAndre Washington, Running Back, Texas Tech
Instant: Finally, a running back! Not the name I was thinking of, but a definite position of need. I have never heard of this guy, so he’d better not be another project, Reg.
Research: What I discovered was a player with an impressive two-year production—2,595 yards rushing with a 6.3 average. Washington seems to be a perfect complement—even a challenger—to incumbent RB, Latavius Murray. Texas Tech runs the spread offense so Washington will be comfortable in many of the Raiders’ offensive sets. He’s an established receiver out of the backfield, too, with a 4.49 forty time and quick feet in the open field. I love that he’s opposite to Murray in stature at 5-foot-8 and 204 lbs. The compact and quick Washington could pay immediate dividends in Oakland.
6th Round – Corey James, Linebacker, Colorado State
Instant: Ok, I never heard of this James dude. But, hey, we did need a linebacker.
Research: Reggie loves versatile players and James fits that bill. James lined up at DE and OLB before moving to MLB his senior season. He was a 52-game starter at Colorado St., which added up to every game of his four-year career. While he can rush the passer and drop back in coverage, excelling on Special Teams will be the primary path for James to get on the roster in year one.
7th Round – Vadal Alexander, Offensive Guard/Tackle, LSU
Courtesy: sportsnola.com
Instant: This gives us depth on the O-line. And Alexander played multiple positions.
Research: Reggie loves guys who have played multiple positions. Check. He loves guys who are team captains. Check. He loves big boys in the trenches. Check (6-foot-6, 329 lbs.) Alexander is a nice value pick in the 7th round. While he was a 46-game starter at LSU, Alexander had very low speed times at the combine. Yet longtime NFL analyst, Gil Brandt, tweeted that he graded out Alexander as a 4th round pick. He reminds Brandt of current Raider, Gabe Jackson.
With the NFL draft you just never know who might contribute and when. It will be exciting to see how things unfold.
