Biggest potential sleeper picks from the Raiders draft class
The Oakland Raiders under Reggie McKenzie have done a very good job of finding players in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. While they didn’t stock pile picks in the later rounds like in past years, the Raiders still have a few different players who could be this year’s hidden gem.
There are two names in particular who are excellent candidates to be the late round surprise for this year’s draft class: DeAndre Washington and Vadal Alexander.
DeAndre Washington
We already know that Reggie McKenzie sees Washington as a complete back and that Washington sees himself as being similar to Maurice Jones Drew, but is he really any good? Given the lack of production from anyone other than Latavius Murray last season, Washington should get every chance to earn playing time.
If he does see time early, he could make the Raiders look real smart for taking him. First off, Washington is a good scheme fit since he played in the spread offense of Texas Tech. The Raiders run out of the shot gun a lot and would like to use the running back more often in the passing game. Washington is a speedster who uses a low center of gravity who does more breaking of ankles than tackles but who also doesn’t shy away from contact.
While there are a number of shorter backs who have succeeded in the NFL, they are still the exception to the rule. If Washington can adjust to the size and speed change at the next level, he has the skill set to be a big contributor right away.
AROUND COVER32
Twitter Tuesday: Brandon Boykin can only LOL at this point
Madden Monday: Rob Gronkowski’s case against the curse
2016 Preview: Ranking the 2016 MVP Candidates
Raiders News: Raiders built a bully on the defensive line
Raiders News: Raiders DL coach Jethro Franklin’s to do list
Vadal Alexander
Unlike Washington who could have an immediate impact on the Raiders, Vadal Alexander is more of a long term project who could pay big dividends further down the line. A tackle in college, Alexander is much more likely to be a guard in the NFL thanks to a lack of athleticism and poor footwork. But guys like Gabe Jackson and Kelechi Osemele should give you an idea of why you don’t want to overlook a great guard.
Alexander may not ever be great but he sure could be a very good road grading guard in the not so distant future. Alexander is a big boy who loves to maul in the run game and is much better playing in a phone booth making guard seem like the natural fit at the next level. But the added value of Alexander is the fact that he can play tackle in a pinch if need be. It’s less than ideal but it’s never a bad thing to have added depth through versatility.
If Alexander does develop into a starting caliber guard, it will also give the Raiders the flexibility to move Osemele to tackle if need be once Donald Penn calls it quits.
The post Biggest potential sleeper picks from the Raiders draft class appeared first on Cover32.
