The Oakland Raiders officially announced on Tuesday, April 24, that Hall of Famer Willie Brown will announce the 3rd round pick on Friday, April 27 from Radio City Music Hall.
While the Raiders don't have a lot of picks this year, they do have five including their three compensatory picks that they were awarded in late March. New general manager Reggie McKenzie was quite pleased with the additions and said he'd be able to get "some good players, as many starters as possible."
Brown remarked about the excitement involved and said, "I think it's exciting. I've been doing it for a few years now and I get excited just knowing that the guy that we're taking this year, he's as excited as I am. So it's great. I feel good about doing it and Raider Nation, they surely feel good about it. I look forward to it every year."
So far the Raiders have hosted 18 college players with only eight to be taken in the draft and the rest may turn out to be undrafted free agents.
What makes the draft this year even more exciting, and perhaps a little surreal is the fact that for the first time the Raiders will pick without Al Davis around. The late iconic owner was the face of the team for decades, and McKenzie must be feeling not just excited anticipation but it has to be a tremendous amount of pressure as well.
I think he'll come through with flying colors, and in all honesty it seems to be the start of a new winning era on the horizon.
In my opinion, and I believe the opinion of most, Oakland's greatest need is at left guard, nose tackle and both linebacker and defensive tackle depth. One of the most talked about players that could be taken as their 3rd round pick include defensive tackle Josh Chapman.
Chapman is projected to be a third or fourth round pick, and the only reason he won't go higher is because of the surgery he had in January to repair a torn ACL. He's got the massive size needed at 6'1" and 316 pounds, and could be a huge help to the Raiders defense. In 2011, he's said to have played through his injury showing the level of dedication that Oakland needs.
I always enjoy watching the draft in the spring, who will become the privileged men to be honored by wearing the silver and black?
K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.
More from this contributor:
'76 Oakland Raiders Named Greatest Team of All Time Proves Strength of Raider Nation: Fan Take
Oakland Raiders' Three Compensatory Picks Another Good Sign for 2012: Fan Reaction
Oakland Raiders' Legendary Quarterback Jim Plunkett: Thoughts on the Past and the Team's Future
