The Raiders traded down from the 10th overall pick and picked up an extra third- and fifth-rounder for it, so that was a great start. They then used the 15th pick to take big Kolton Miller out of UCLA. Miller is the most athletic tackle in the class, but his uneven production over his college career could be cause for concern. While last year’s grade of 87.4 overall was good, he had far too many quick losses in pass protection and run-blocking. Before that he had grades of 79.9 as a freshman and 72.9 as a sophomore. His run-blocking especially needs some work, as he finished with only the 38th-best run-blocking success rate among draft-eligible tackles last season (91.6 percent).
With the recent speculation of Donald Penn’s off-field issues, this pick may make more sense. They signed RT Breno Giacomini this offseason, but he’s coming off a really poor season in which he had a league-worst 89.5 pass blocking efficiency rating thanks to a league-high 81 total pressures allowed, and still could be in use of an upgrade at potentially both positions. New offensive line coach Tom Cable likely had a big part in selecting Miller and likely feels that he can mold his athletic traits into a high-quality right tackle to anchor the Raiders offensive line.
Round 2 (57) P.J. Hall, DI, Sam Houston State, n/a
As stated earlier, the Raiders clearly had an idea to pick high-level athletes that may not have put it all together yet or played against great level of competition. Hall fits the latter, as he had impressive production throughout his college career but did so against FCS competition. Hall is an explosive athlete, as evidenced by his 4.73 40-yard dash (1.70 10-yard split) despite weighing 310 pounds. Still, the Raiders had to like that Hall finished his college career with 86.5 tackles for loss and 42 sacks in four years.
The Raiders currently have a few interior defenders penciled in as likely starters but there’s no reason Hall couldn’t at least add some depth. Mario Edwards Jr. and Eddie Vanderdoes are there right now but neither had impressive seasons last year (72.8 and 56.5 overall grades, respectively). Even if he needs some time to adjust to the higher level of play in the NFL, he should be able to get some experience this season.
Round 3 (65) Brandon Parker, OT, North Carolina A&T, n/a
Another Day 2 pick that came from a small school, Parker has the tools and traits that all coaches love. He has great size and length as well as some explosiveness. But Parker failed to impress in his Senior Bowl week this offseason as he struggled in 1-on-1, allowing two “sacks” and four hurries on 35 reps. That continued in the actual Senior Bowl itself, where he allowed two sacks and five hurries on 23 pass-blocking plays.
Much like Miller, coach Cable clearly likes what he sees out of Parker physically. He believes that he has the tools and traits to be a starting calibre offensive tackle, despite his lack of on-field production. He should provide the Raiders with some tackle depth and perhaps a role as a swing tackle for running plays, while continuing to develop.
Round 3 (87) Arden Key, Edge, LSU, 81.6 overall grade
Key was a solid late third-round pick, as there was once talk of him as a possible top-10 pick overall. His sophomore and junior seasons were fantastic, especially 2016 where he earned an 88.0 pass-rushing grade (one of the highest single-season grades among any draft-eligible edge rushers). Last season was a concern though as Key had just a 78.2 pass-rushing grade after recording just five sacks and 28 total pressures.
Edge defender wasn’t a huge priority position for the Raiders as they have one of the best in the business in Khalil Mack as well as a solid complement in Bruce Irvin. But behind them, the Raiders don’t have much depth. Key should be able to jump in alongside players like Tank Carradine and James Cowser and help provide some occasional rest for Irvin and Mack.
Round 4 (110) Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin, 89.1 overall grade
Nelson came seemingly out of nowhere in 2017 and finished the season with the fifth-best corner grade at 89.1 overall. Nelson has interesting ball skill numbers as he made 29 pass defenses in three years as a starter but failed to record even one interception. Still, allowing just 37.7 percent of targets thrown at him last season is an impressive number.
Nelson may not be able to oust starters Rashaan Melvin or Gareon Conley at corner for the Raiders, but he shouldn’t be expected to. Nelson can provide some good depth for the Raiders and help out in sub packages, while continuing to develop his game.
Round 5 (140) Maurice Hurst, DI, Michigan, 96.8 overall grade
This could be the biggest steal of the draft in recent memory. Hurst was our highest non-quarterback on the draft board, but fell due to concerns about a heart condition. Hurst has said that this condition has been known since he started at Michigan and clearly it hasn’t affected him much. Hurst’s 96.8 overall grade is the highest we’ve seen from an interior defender in four years of grading. His 31 run-stops ranked third among interior defenders in this class and his 49 total pressures and 12.1 pass-rushing productivity both ranked first.
Hurst is good enough that as long as his health concerns don’t affect him, he should be a starter for the Raiders. He’ll fit right in as a 3-tech in defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s scheme. The Raiders will finally get an interior pass-rusher that can also defend the run to go along with Mack and push the Raiders defensive line to a new level.
Round 5 (173) Johnny Townsend, P, Florida, n/a
Townsend was part of a string of three punters taken in the fifth round. He was one of the best punters in the NCAA last season, averaging a second-best 47.2 yards per punt. He had just five touchbacks and landed 26 punts inside the 20-yard line.
The Raiders are looking for a new punter after they released star Marquette King this offseason. Townsend will compete with Colby Wadman for the position. Wadman is a former UC Davis punter who had a tryout with both the Raiders and Colts last season.
Round 6 (216) Azeem Victor, LB, Washington, 73.8 overall grade
Victor was a solid linebacker as a sophomore in 2015, grading well and recording 45 solo stops as well as 11 total pressures on limited pass-rushes. But it’s been a downhill slope since then. An injury in 2016 shortened a solid season before what ended up being a disaster of a senior year. Two suspensions, playing overweight and what appeared to be a lack of effort at times led to him playing just 225 snaps all season (of a possible 813).
The Raiders are hoping that they can unlock the sophomore Victor, who looked like he would be a promising linebacker for a couple more years. If they can help him deal with his off-the-field issues, they might be able to find a depth or special teams role for him.
Round 7 (228) Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State, 87.9 overall grade
Another fantastic late-round pickup by the Raiders in Ateman, who was No. 79 on our big board. Ateman isn’t a big time separation receiver, but he uses his huge frame and strong hands well to provide value as a possession receiver. He gained 320 yards on contested catches last season, the ninth-most in the entire country. His 3.52 yards per route run average ranked fifth, and he dropped just 11 passes in his three-year career with Oklahoma State.
The Raiders acquired Martavis Bryant during Draft weekend, as well as signed Packers great Jordy Nelson this offseason. Those two figure to be ahead on the depth chart, right behind incumbent starter Amari Cooper. Ateman should be in great shape to fight for that fourth wide receiver position and earn himself some playing time this coming season.
