Four Raiders Surprises From the 2017 NFL Draft
The 2017 draft is in the books, and this year it did not disappoint! From an early run on offensive players, to teams giving up a bunch of draft picks to move up, this draft will stand out. The Raiders were on the clock later in each of the rounds and waiting for every pick was like pulling teeth.
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Vanderdoes:
The first surprise came in the third, with the pick of defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes. Arriving from high school as a 5-star recruit, NFL scouts took notice. With great technique and elite athleticism, people touted him as a high pick. Yet, after a torn ACL the following year accompanied by weight issues, Vanderdoes’ stock fell. It’s curious that the Raiders used a 3rd round pick on a riskier player, due to the injury history. But, if he can return to his 2014 form, this will be a non-issue and a lauded pick down the line.
ILB Help?
The Raiders didn’t draft an inside linebacker with any of their first four selections. Obviously, a glaring need for the Raiders, Reuben Foster fall to them in the first round. Despite this, Oakland decided to take cornerback Gareon Conley instead. Now, there are issues with Foster that let him fall that far with concussions and a hurt shoulder but, picking him up would have made one of the biggest holes in the defense into strength.
Again, it was just surprising that with such a glaring need at such an impactful position that they would follow their board instead of filling needs, although that is not the current Raiders’ modus operandi, as they clearly think linebackers can be coached up and aren’t as valuable as other positions.
BPA?
I noticed with this draft is the Raiders went best player available almost the whole way through. This is what you’d expect with a team with fewer holes to fill. But, Reggie proved that he sticks to his board and doesn’t deviate. The picks seem all high character and elite athletically. During the McKenzie era, most picks didn’t know the Raiders felt strong enough to pick them until their phone rang, moments before the selction. This year, that changed with multiple picks saying they knew the Raiders interest level .
The Process?
Shockingly, McKenzie uses a system for drafts. He values elite athletes and team leaders over production. Meanwhile, he waits for inside linebackers and running backs. While other teams takes risks with a player, either health-wise, or issues, Oakland plays it safe. Also, displaying a great eye for talent in the back-end of drafts, picking up Shalom Luani and Jylan Ware, who has to be one of my favorite picks from this draft.
All in all, my biggest surprise is how finds late-round role plays, that can develop into solid contributors.
Twitter: @jordan_briskey
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