Combine Notes: Three Underrated Players for the Raiders to Watch
While the offseason starts picking up steam, this week is another important milestone. The NFL Combine allows teams to test the athletes in multiple events and disciplines to gauge their athletic and mental capacity. The Oakland Raiders sit in the enviable positions of adding talent to a Super Bowl run, not looking to rebuild like the 49ers, Browns, Bears, etc. Here are a list of four players that to observe.
DE Tarell Basham, Ohio: If you are looking for film of Basham in the Big 10, you are looking at the wrong Ohio school. This is the University of Ohio, in the MAC. In due time, Basham’s name and film should make him a household name this time of year. While at Ohio, Basham occupied many roles for the Bobcats. Initially, he spent time as a defensive tackle. Now, he operates as an end with the ability to drop into coverage. Key Ability: Basham sheds blocks with a combination of jarring handwork and agility. Most Important Drill: The Three Cone Drill. Basham can rush the passer and streak upfield. Yet, there are questions if he could operate as an outside linebacker as well.
S Josh Jones, NC State: First, Josh Jones is a hitter, plain and simple. To clarify, Jones finds the ballcarrier or receives and attempts to shake the ball loose. During his time in Raleigh, Jones picked seven passes and snared 229 tackles. With that said, the Raiders should look his way in the middle rounds. With Reggie Nelson on board for another year, drafting a safety is more of a tutorial than necessity. Key Ability: Destroying anyone near the ball. Most Important Drill: The Shuttle. This event test explosive movement in limited space. Jones needs to show burst here to leap up draft board. Speed is nothing without change of direction for a safety.
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DT Elijah Qualls, Washington: Scouts seems everywhere on their opinions on him. While some like his athleticism, others aren’t in love with his measureable. Straightaway, they are both correct. Qualls is a nimble big man with good feet. A former high school RB, Qualls can either eat space of penetrate as a 3-technique. With this in mind, the Raiders could see him on Day 3. Key Ability: Qualls’ strength jolts his opponents backward, causing help to arrive, in order to make plays. Most Important Drill: None. Qualls’ condition and position drills will show where his draft stock is.
All things considered, this year’s combine shakes out as intriguing. We all know the big names. Yet, it’s the lesser-known players that will make a big splash; they wish to carry that momentum into draft day. While the three mentioned above are not going to grab attention
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