Well, the 2012 NFL Draft has ended and teams and their fans are deep in analysis regarding the value of the selections made. The Oakland Raiders ended the big weekend with six new players, drafted over the 3rd through 7th rounds of the NFL Draft.
While I do think all six players are solid choices, I do see two average players, two with real potential and two future supestars. Here's my look at the highlights of the Oakland Raiders 2012 NFL Draft picks:
Solid, but nothing special - Tony Bergstrom and Miles Burris
In the third round, the Raiders chose Utah's Tony Bergstrom, a, offensive tackle. Although he was a highly ranked choice in terms of the round, I think the Raiders went for size instead of skill.
In the 4th Round, the Raiders picked linebacker Miles Burris, who played at San Diego State. Like Bergstrom, I do think he's a big, solid player, but just doesn't have the big game experience or the numbers I would like to see.
Great potential - Jack Crawford and Nate Stupar
I have more confidence in the Raiders' 5th Round pick, defensive end Jack Crawford. He played at Penn State for the legendary Joe Paterno and I think that program really prepares players, both mentally and physically, for the NFL.
Linebacker Nate Stupar is another solid player with great potential. I think his family involvement in the NFL will help him immensely. His uncle is former Raiders QB Jeff Hostetler and his brother already plays for the Buffalo Bills.
Future stars - Juron Criner and Christo Bilukidi
He's where things get serious. Juron Criner played wide receiver at Arizona, so he's got that big game, high pressure experience. He came close to breaking 3,000 yards in receptions at Arizona and had 32 touchdowns. I think a Criner - Palmer connection could take the Raider Nation right to the Super Bowl.
Christo Bilukidi is a unique player who was born in the African country of Angola, where his father is still a member of the diplomatic corps. He's a defensive tackle and at 6' 5", he also was a high school basketball star. He's went to Georgia State and led the team in sacks and tackles for a loss. He also made some clutch plays in key games, which is something else the Raiders need.
Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn't looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman
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