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2023 Las Vegas Raiders - RIP Jack - one of the greatest Super Bowl moments ever (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Hankmoody
- Start date
Chaka
Footballguy
Mayer is going to help in that regard. Very good in-line blocker by all accounts.
massraider
Footballguy
Five DL drafted in two years. This is the way
ZADO
Footballguy
Per CBSSPORTS
Player grades By Chris Trapasso
I love this pick, one of the best of the day. if Wilson's injured foot checks out, which it certainly has for the Raiders, he's going to be a big-time end in their defense to go with Maxx Crosby for a long time. He has all the traits you want in an edge rusher.
Complete TE prospect. Not a freaky athlete but does everything well. Won't run by many people but gave me Mark Andrews vibes. Catches everything. Subtle ability to get open.
Classic Alabama DL. Two-gap specialist who uses his hands well. Average-at-best athlete who doesn't provide much pass-rush ability. Round 3 DLs need to give some of that. I like the position addressed but this is much too early for Young.
Tiny but elusive and speedy pure slot. Can make some difficult grabs away from his frame despite a tiny catch radius. Sneaky good pick here.
One of my favorite DBs in the class. Elite elite. Inside-out versatility. Sticky in coverage and natural ball skills. Will run vertically with almost all NFL WRs. Some tackling misses but ultra feisty. Trade up dips the grades lightly.
Quick release, methodical QB who can really get into a rhythm and sling it. Stiff with essentially no ability to elude rushers. While he zips the football underneath and at intermediate level -- when he mostly reads coverage well -- his overall arm talent is average. Will be 25 in September.
Had Smith tested better he could've snuck into Day 2. Instincts and positioning reliability are strengths of his game. Fine tackler too. Major ball hawk too.
Burney is better playing space but can provide occasional pass rush by slipping gaps. He needs to do a better job of breaking his feet down in space and lacks top end recovery speed. A probable role player at the next level. (Josh Edwards)
Fun, undersized up-the-field rusher. Slippery type. Not a great athlete and lacks length. Gets washed out against the run often.
Player grades By Chris Trapasso
7. Raiders: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Grade: AI love this pick, one of the best of the day. if Wilson's injured foot checks out, which it certainly has for the Raiders, he's going to be a big-time end in their defense to go with Maxx Crosby for a long time. He has all the traits you want in an edge rusher.
35. Raiders: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Grade: B+Complete TE prospect. Not a freaky athlete but does everything well. Won't run by many people but gave me Mark Andrews vibes. Catches everything. Subtle ability to get open.
70. Raiders: Byron Young, EDGE, Alabama
Grade: DClassic Alabama DL. Two-gap specialist who uses his hands well. Average-at-best athlete who doesn't provide much pass-rush ability. Round 3 DLs need to give some of that. I like the position addressed but this is much too early for Young.
100. Raiders: Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
Grade: A-Tiny but elusive and speedy pure slot. Can make some difficult grabs away from his frame despite a tiny catch radius. Sneaky good pick here.
104. Raiders: Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
Grade: A-One of my favorite DBs in the class. Elite elite. Inside-out versatility. Sticky in coverage and natural ball skills. Will run vertically with almost all NFL WRs. Some tackling misses but ultra feisty. Trade up dips the grades lightly.
135. Raiders: Aidan O'Connell, QB, Purdue
Grade: C+Quick release, methodical QB who can really get into a rhythm and sling it. Stiff with essentially no ability to elude rushers. While he zips the football underneath and at intermediate level -- when he mostly reads coverage well -- his overall arm talent is average. Will be 25 in September.
170. Raiders: Christopher Smith, S, Georgia
Grade: C+Had Smith tested better he could've snuck into Day 2. Instincts and positioning reliability are strengths of his game. Fine tackler too. Major ball hawk too.
203. Raiders: Amari Burney, LB, Florida
Grade: C-Burney is better playing space but can provide occasional pass rush by slipping gaps. He needs to do a better job of breaking his feet down in space and lacks top end recovery speed. A probable role player at the next level. (Josh Edwards)
231. Raiders: Nesta Jade Silvera, DL, Arizona State
Grade: B+Fun, undersized up-the-field rusher. Slippery type. Not a great athlete and lacks length. Gets washed out against the run often.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
I have got the impression that they like Munford and Eluemunor. I expect them to kick Eluemunor to RG and have Munford at RT. No inside info from a cousin or anything just how I kind of feel like they are are feeling. Munford flashed some talent last year to show there was potential for him as a competent RT. Eluemunor can play RG competently. If they do this then our line is solid. The left side will be pretty good, our center above average and the right side stabilized.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Winners and Losers from Day 2
Jeffri Chadiha
NFL.com Columnist
3) Michael Mayer, TE, Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders traded star tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants earlier this offseason, creating an opportunity that Mayer should capitalize on. Mayer had first-round talent, so his availability in the second round means the Raiders found a nice bargain, even if they had to trade up to grab the Notre Dame product. He's also joining a team that is likely to take full advantage of his impressive skills. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels loved to feed future Hall-of-Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator in New England. New Las Vegas quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had great chemistry with one-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle during their time together in San Francisco. The safe bet is that Mayer becomes a big part of this offense as a rookie. As an added bonus, he's also an effective blocker who should make life easier for All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs.
Jeffri Chadiha
NFL.com Columnist
3) Michael Mayer, TE, Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders traded star tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants earlier this offseason, creating an opportunity that Mayer should capitalize on. Mayer had first-round talent, so his availability in the second round means the Raiders found a nice bargain, even if they had to trade up to grab the Notre Dame product. He's also joining a team that is likely to take full advantage of his impressive skills. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels loved to feed future Hall-of-Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator in New England. New Las Vegas quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had great chemistry with one-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle during their time together in San Francisco. The safe bet is that Mayer becomes a big part of this offense as a rookie. As an added bonus, he's also an effective blocker who should make life easier for All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Round 1, No. 7 overall: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech.
My take: The Raiders are hoping to make a pass rush -- featuring two-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby and potential Hall of Famer Chandler Jones -- even stronger with the addition of Wilson, who had seven sacks in each of the past two seasons. And while cornerback may be a more pressing need, a more fearsome pass rush will help the secondary immensely. Wilson was the best player available for general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels, so expectations are high for Wilson to contribute immediately as the Raiders need to affect opposing quarterbacks.Will he start as a rookie? Not if Jones has anything to say about it. This is ironic given that Wilson has drawn so many comparisons to the potential Hall of Famer. Still, Jones is coming off a 4.5-sack season, the fewest in a full season of his 11-year career, and just turned 33 in February. Maybe Wilson's arrival sparks a revitalization for Jones, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing as a bookend for Crosby.
Is this pick for depth, or does it fill a hole?: The simple answer -- yes. It actually does both. The Raiders had just 27 sacks as a team last season -- third-worst in the NFL -- but the pass-rushing duo of Crosby and Jones was actually a strength on a bad defense. Plus, the better the pass rush, the more it helps a secondary still trying to get its footing in coverage.
Round 2, No. 35 overall: Michael Mayer, tight end, Notre Dame
My take: The Raiders needed a tight end after trading former Pro Bowler Darren Waller to the New York Giants for a third-round pick and letting Foster Moreau walk in free agency. Yes, even with Las Vegas signing O.J. Howard and Austin Hooper. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Mayer checks the box as a much-needed blocking tight end but can also fill the role of a pass catcher. Raiders coach Josh McDaniels' offense had traditionally relied on a big-bodied tight end with soft hands who can be a red-zone threat, and while Rob Gronkowski is a pie-in-the-sky comparison, you can see the reasoning, especially since Las Vegas traded up three slots to draft Mayer.Will Mayer play a lot early? As a second-round pick and a rating among the top two players at the position, and with the Raiders' two top tight ends gone from last season, the expectation should be that Mayer wins the job in camp and goes on to numerous Pro Bowls, right? After all, the last Notre Dame tight end the Raiders drafted, Dave Casper, went on to a Hall of Fame career. We kid. Kinda. Because comparing Mayer to "Ghost" is beyond unfair. At least with a pair of veterans on the roster in Howard and Hooper, Mayer can be eased into his role.
Round 3, No. 70 overall: Byron Young, defensive tackle, Alabama
My take: The Raiders addressed a position of need with someone at the top of their draft board in taking Young, who may be a tad undersized for a defensive tackle at 6-3, 294 pounds. But having addressed edge rusher in the first round with Tyree Wilson, Young can settle into a role of a run-stuffer who can occasionally push the pocket and clean up after pass-rushers create havoc. At least that’s the hope in Las Vegas after that’s exactly what he did for Alabama with Will Anderson, Jr. on the outside.Key stat: Young was a steady riser on the stat sheet in his four years at Alabama, his 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a senior both career highs. His nine QB hits last season were also the most by an SEC interior defensive lineman. So, yeah, he has shown an ability to affect the passer with his 11-inch hands and 34 3/8-inch arms. Even as his primary responsibility will be as a run stuffer.
Round 3, No. 100 overall: Tre Tucker, wide receiver, Cincinnati
My take: The Raiders added a speedy slot receiver in Tucker, who ran a 4.4 40-time at the combine along with a 10-4 broad jump, with the pick acquired in the Darren Waller trade. The Raiders already have an accomplished slot man in former Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow, who is the constant target of trade rumors. And Tucker, who caught 52 passes for 672 yards and three touchdowns last season, also returned two kicks for scores. The Raiders already boast an All-Pro WR in Davante Adams and signed Jakobi Meyers in free agency but, as coach Josh McDaniels has said, the Raiders are not afraid to make a strength stronger.Is this a pick for depth, or does it fill a hole? Depth, with a capital D. Unless, of course, the Raiders do trade Renfrow. As noted above, the Raiders already have an All-Pro in Adams, invested heavily in Meyers and also added Phillip Dorsett, Cam Sims and DeAndre Carter in free agency, while bringing back Keelan Cole Sr. Using a third-round pick on Tucker, though, means they are more invested in him, so who would be the odd man out? Kick return seems to be a priority, with Danny Amendola joining the staff as a return coach.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Round 4, No. 104 overall (from Houston): Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
My take: The Raiders finally addressed the cornerback position in taking the ballhawkish Bennett, who led all defensive backs in the country with 27 pass deflections over the past two seasons (he also had five INTs). The Raiders traded up five spots to select the 5-foot-11, 188-pound Bennett, who contemplated quitting football in high school. The Raiders, though, figure with his speed (he ran a 4.3 40 at the combine) and versatility (he can also play in the slot and has projected out as a free safety), he fills multiple needs. Las Vegas likes his stick-to-itiveness, be it in school (he went the junior college route) or in coverage to address the need in the secondary.Round 4, No. 135 overall (from New England), Aidan O'Connell, QB, Purdue
My take: Another box checked as the Raiders needed to draft a quarterback to develop for the future after moving on from nine-year starter Derek Carr and signing Jimmy Garoppolo. Las Vegas traded up nine spots to select O’Connell, the eighth QB drafted. The Raiders also signed veteran Brian Hoyer and return Chase Garbers and coach Josh McDaniels said this offseason his goal was to have young QBs in his system for years to learn the scheme, rather than plug and play vets. The 6-feet-3, 213-pound O’Connell will have the luxury of learning the NFL game without the pressure of having to play immediately.Round 5, No. 170 overall (from Green Bay via NY Jets), Christopher Smith II, safety, Georgia
My take: The Raiders packaged later picks to move up to No. 170 overall to select an undersized safety who they hope can help in the takeaway department. The 5-feet-11, 192-pound Smith did have six interceptions over the past two seasons for a dominant defense at Georgia. So he has the pedigree. The question, then, is how will it translate to the NFL? The Raiders anticipate Smith bringing more than depth to a secondary in need of playmakers and competition for backup snaps should be high, with the Raiders having signed Marcus Epps in free agency and former second-round pick Tre'von Moehrig returning for his third season.Round 6, No. 203 overall: Amari Burney, LB, Florida
My take: The Raiders, who need bodies at linebacker, finally addressed the position in the draft with Burney, a one-year starter for the Gators. Granted, the Raiders are generally in a nickel defense and they have their two starters in coverage-heavy Divine Deablo and run-stuffer Robert Spillane. Las Vegas, then, figures to be busy in the rookie free-agent linebacker market. And as a converted safety not afraid to stick his nose in on tackles, the Raiders hope Burney provides more than depth at the position as an active player after posting 79 tackles, four sacks, nine tackles for a loss, two interceptions, six passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 13 games last season.Round 7, No. 231 overall (from New England): Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State
My take: Las Vegas entered the draft with 12 picks, did some wheeling and dealing to move up a few times and left with nine selections, with Silvera as the final pick. The Raiders needed some interior push and think the 6-feet-2, 304-pound nose tackle can provide it. He started his college career at Miami and finished at ASU, showing some of that versatility valued by this regime with 1.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss among his 56 tackles last season. He also had three pass breakups. The Raiders hope to untap the potential he showed coming out of high school, when he was a top-50 recruit. Six of the Raiders’ nine picks were on the defensive side of the ball.
massraider
Footballguy
massraider
Footballguy
They paid that Aziz Hearn guy, he was a priority. From his NFL.com profile:
Overview
As a cornerback, Hearn does not offer the ball skills or anticipation necessary to handle zone or man duties in the NFL. However, as a safety, his size and athletic testing could create some interest from teams looking for him to make that position change. He’s a wrap-up tackler and does a nice job of taking on blocks. Hearn might be worth a peek for teams interested in developing him into a big nickel back or box safety.
Strengths
Overview
As a cornerback, Hearn does not offer the ball skills or anticipation necessary to handle zone or man duties in the NFL. However, as a safety, his size and athletic testing could create some interest from teams looking for him to make that position change. He’s a wrap-up tackler and does a nice job of taking on blocks. Hearn might be worth a peek for teams interested in developing him into a big nickel back or box safety.
Strengths
- Possesses physical talent and NFL measurables.
- Size and toughness could help him make a move to safety.
- Tools to potentially line up over slot tight ends.
- Quick to punch and stuff perimeter blockers.
- Plenty of experience tackling around the box.
- Did not intercept a pass in 38 career starts.
- Allows excessive space for offenses to play pitch-and-catch.
- Too easily shaken at the top of the route.
- Below-average reading and jumping the route.
- Can be leggy in maneuvering as an open-field tackler.
SDJohnny
Footballguy
DALTON WAGNER | Arkansas 6080 | 320 lbs. | 6SR Spring Grove, Ill. (Richmond Burton) 10/5/1998 (age 24.56) #78
BACKGROUND: Dalton Wagner, who is one of four children, grew up in Spring Grove, Ill., which is northwest of Chicago near the Wisconsin border. He enrolled at Richmond Burton High School where he was a three-year varsity starter on the offensive line (he grew five inches between his freshman and senior seasons). Playing right tackle for a triple-option offense, Wagner helped the team to a 9-2 record as a junior and was named First-Team All-Area in 2015. As a senior, he earned AllState, All-Area and All-Conference honors and again led Richmond Burton to the playoffs. Wagner also saw snaps on the defensive line and finished with 14 tackles as a senior. He was named a U.S. Army All-American. A three-star recruit, Wagner was the No. 61 offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class and the No. 11 recruit in Illinois. After his junior season when he started to attend camps, the offers started rolling in, including Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Purdue, Syracuse and Utah. But he was drawn to Arkansas because of the SEC and Bret Bielema, whom Wagner looked up to when he was developing offensive linemen as the head coach at Wisconsin. Wagner took advantage of his extra year of eligibility and returned to the Razorbacks for his sixth season in 2022. His father (Brad) played on the offensive line at Western Illinois (1987-91) and currently serves as the Vice President of Operations of a construction and paving company. Dalton’s older brother (Bryce) played on the offensive line at Southern Illinois (2014-18), originally as a walk-on until he earned a scholarship as a junior. Wagner accepted his invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl. YEAR (GP/GS) POSITION NOTES 2017: Redshirted Enrolled in January 2017 2018: (11/1) LT 2019: (12/12) RT 2020: (8/5) RT Started final five games 2021: (10/10) RT Missed three games (finger surgery) 2022: (12/12) RT Team captain; Missed one game (injury) Total: (53/40) 39 RT, 1 LT CONTENTS [124] HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP COMBINE 6080 320 34 3/8 10 1/2 83 1/4 - - - 24 1/2 8’6” - - 24 (no runs, shuttle, 3-cone – choice) PRO DAY 6081 318 34 1/2 10 1/4 83 5.35 3.09 1.84 27 1/2 - 4.90 8.00 - (stood on Combine broad and bench)
STRENGTHS: A large human with his taller stature and long arms … flashes strength in his hand presence to strike with pop in his pass sets and grip and rip in the run game … physical at contact to mash and move bodies from the lane … able to settle down against the power rush to create a solid base … stays on his schedule in pass protection to meet and mirror initial movements … his coaches speak highly of his mental and physical toughness (head coach Sam Pittman: “He’s tougher than an ol’ billy goat.”) … voted a 2022 team captain … was a veteran presence in the Arkansas locker room and someone that his teammates relied on … played in 53 games in college, including 40 starts versus SEC competition.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn’t have ideal body coordination and lower-body flexibility … struggles to stay centered versus shifty counters in space … his feet get clunky and his base narrows when on the move … will panic at times in space and gets too far out in front of his feet … his upright style will make it tougher to anchor versus NFL rushers … doesn’t stray too far from the line of scrimmage as a downfield blocker … missed three games as junior because of a broken finger that required surgery (October 2011); was limited during 2022 spring practices with a back injury.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Arkansas, Wagner was entrenched at right tackle in former offensive coordinator Kendal Briles’ zone-based scheme. He returned as a super senior and team captain in 2022 and had his best season, also signing an NIL deal with WWE (with his long hair and size, professional wrestling could be in his future). Wagner is a long positional blocker with the strength in his hands to latch and drive or get into the chest of defenders before they can enter their rush. However, his sustain skills are shaky and he can too easily get off schedule in space. Overall, Wagner is an experienced, well-schooled, strong blocker, but his upright pads and below-average athleticism will create balance issues against NFL talent. He projects as a potential backup right tackle in the NFL for a power-run scheme. GRADE: Priority Free Agent.
DRAKE THOMAS | NC State 5112 | 223 lbs. | 4SR Wake Forest, N.C. (Heritage) 2/25/2000 (age 23.17) #32 YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF PD INT NOTES 2019: (12/3) 34 4.0 2.5 0 3 1 Enrolled in January 2019 2020: (10/10) 58 9.5 3.0 0 1 0 Missed two games (pec injury that required offseason surgery) 2021: (12/12) 100 13.5 6.0 0 5 3 First Team All-ACC; Led team in tackles; 38-yard INT TD; Team captain 2022: (13/13) 101 19.0 7.5 0 4 0 Second Team All-ACC; Led team in tackles, TFL, sacks; Team captain; East-West Shrine Bowl Total: (47/38) 293 46.0 19.0 0 13 4 HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP COMBINE N/A (not invited) PRO DAY 5112 223 29 5/8 9 3/8 72 1/4 4.69 2.50 1.63 36 1/2 9’8” 4.31 7.10 18 SUMMARY: Drake Thomas, whose older brother (Thayer) is also in this draft class, started playing football at four-years-old. He is the all-time leading tackler (393) at Heritage High School and was also a standout running back. A three-star recruit, Thomas committed to NC State over offers from Alabama, Michigan and Ivy League schools. Playing both SAM and MIKE linebacker, he led the Wolfpack in tackles the past two seasons and finished his career No. 3 in school history in tackles for loss (46.0). Thomas displays outstanding diagnose skills vs. the run with his ability to processes football action at high speeds to find the quickest route from A to B. But he can be covered up by blockers and lacks playmaking range in coverage. Overall, Thomas plays with outstanding read-react instincts to always be in the vicinity of the football, but his lack of desired length and speed will be tough to mask at the NFL level. His drive and toughness might land him a role on special teams. GRADE: Priority Free Agent.
BACKGROUND: Dalton Wagner, who is one of four children, grew up in Spring Grove, Ill., which is northwest of Chicago near the Wisconsin border. He enrolled at Richmond Burton High School where he was a three-year varsity starter on the offensive line (he grew five inches between his freshman and senior seasons). Playing right tackle for a triple-option offense, Wagner helped the team to a 9-2 record as a junior and was named First-Team All-Area in 2015. As a senior, he earned AllState, All-Area and All-Conference honors and again led Richmond Burton to the playoffs. Wagner also saw snaps on the defensive line and finished with 14 tackles as a senior. He was named a U.S. Army All-American. A three-star recruit, Wagner was the No. 61 offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class and the No. 11 recruit in Illinois. After his junior season when he started to attend camps, the offers started rolling in, including Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Purdue, Syracuse and Utah. But he was drawn to Arkansas because of the SEC and Bret Bielema, whom Wagner looked up to when he was developing offensive linemen as the head coach at Wisconsin. Wagner took advantage of his extra year of eligibility and returned to the Razorbacks for his sixth season in 2022. His father (Brad) played on the offensive line at Western Illinois (1987-91) and currently serves as the Vice President of Operations of a construction and paving company. Dalton’s older brother (Bryce) played on the offensive line at Southern Illinois (2014-18), originally as a walk-on until he earned a scholarship as a junior. Wagner accepted his invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl. YEAR (GP/GS) POSITION NOTES 2017: Redshirted Enrolled in January 2017 2018: (11/1) LT 2019: (12/12) RT 2020: (8/5) RT Started final five games 2021: (10/10) RT Missed three games (finger surgery) 2022: (12/12) RT Team captain; Missed one game (injury) Total: (53/40) 39 RT, 1 LT CONTENTS [124] HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP COMBINE 6080 320 34 3/8 10 1/2 83 1/4 - - - 24 1/2 8’6” - - 24 (no runs, shuttle, 3-cone – choice) PRO DAY 6081 318 34 1/2 10 1/4 83 5.35 3.09 1.84 27 1/2 - 4.90 8.00 - (stood on Combine broad and bench)
STRENGTHS: A large human with his taller stature and long arms … flashes strength in his hand presence to strike with pop in his pass sets and grip and rip in the run game … physical at contact to mash and move bodies from the lane … able to settle down against the power rush to create a solid base … stays on his schedule in pass protection to meet and mirror initial movements … his coaches speak highly of his mental and physical toughness (head coach Sam Pittman: “He’s tougher than an ol’ billy goat.”) … voted a 2022 team captain … was a veteran presence in the Arkansas locker room and someone that his teammates relied on … played in 53 games in college, including 40 starts versus SEC competition.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn’t have ideal body coordination and lower-body flexibility … struggles to stay centered versus shifty counters in space … his feet get clunky and his base narrows when on the move … will panic at times in space and gets too far out in front of his feet … his upright style will make it tougher to anchor versus NFL rushers … doesn’t stray too far from the line of scrimmage as a downfield blocker … missed three games as junior because of a broken finger that required surgery (October 2011); was limited during 2022 spring practices with a back injury.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Arkansas, Wagner was entrenched at right tackle in former offensive coordinator Kendal Briles’ zone-based scheme. He returned as a super senior and team captain in 2022 and had his best season, also signing an NIL deal with WWE (with his long hair and size, professional wrestling could be in his future). Wagner is a long positional blocker with the strength in his hands to latch and drive or get into the chest of defenders before they can enter their rush. However, his sustain skills are shaky and he can too easily get off schedule in space. Overall, Wagner is an experienced, well-schooled, strong blocker, but his upright pads and below-average athleticism will create balance issues against NFL talent. He projects as a potential backup right tackle in the NFL for a power-run scheme. GRADE: Priority Free Agent.
DRAKE THOMAS | NC State 5112 | 223 lbs. | 4SR Wake Forest, N.C. (Heritage) 2/25/2000 (age 23.17) #32 YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF PD INT NOTES 2019: (12/3) 34 4.0 2.5 0 3 1 Enrolled in January 2019 2020: (10/10) 58 9.5 3.0 0 1 0 Missed two games (pec injury that required offseason surgery) 2021: (12/12) 100 13.5 6.0 0 5 3 First Team All-ACC; Led team in tackles; 38-yard INT TD; Team captain 2022: (13/13) 101 19.0 7.5 0 4 0 Second Team All-ACC; Led team in tackles, TFL, sacks; Team captain; East-West Shrine Bowl Total: (47/38) 293 46.0 19.0 0 13 4 HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP COMBINE N/A (not invited) PRO DAY 5112 223 29 5/8 9 3/8 72 1/4 4.69 2.50 1.63 36 1/2 9’8” 4.31 7.10 18 SUMMARY: Drake Thomas, whose older brother (Thayer) is also in this draft class, started playing football at four-years-old. He is the all-time leading tackler (393) at Heritage High School and was also a standout running back. A three-star recruit, Thomas committed to NC State over offers from Alabama, Michigan and Ivy League schools. Playing both SAM and MIKE linebacker, he led the Wolfpack in tackles the past two seasons and finished his career No. 3 in school history in tackles for loss (46.0). Thomas displays outstanding diagnose skills vs. the run with his ability to processes football action at high speeds to find the quickest route from A to B. But he can be covered up by blockers and lacks playmaking range in coverage. Overall, Thomas plays with outstanding read-react instincts to always be in the vicinity of the football, but his lack of desired length and speed will be tough to mask at the NFL level. His drive and toughness might land him a role on special teams. GRADE: Priority Free Agent.
SDJohnny
Footballguy
MCCLENDON CURTIS | Chattanooga 6057 | 324 lbs. | 6SR Chattanooga, Tenn. (Central) 9/16/1999 (age 23.61) #52
BACKGROUND: McClendon Curtis grew up in the Chattanooga area and moved a lot throughout his childhood, at one point even living in a shelter with his mother (Angelina). He started playing basketball and football at age 4 and continued playing through various youth levels. For high school, Curtis originally attended McCallie School, an all-boys prep school, where he primarily lined up as a nose tackle. He played on varsity as a sophomore but decided to give up football after the 2014 season because of “hurtful” things said to him by the head coach. Curtis transferred to Chattanooga Central High School in 2015 but didn’t play football as a junior. He decided to return to football as a senior and moved to the offensive line. Starting at left tackle, Curtis earned honorable mention All-State honors. He also saw snaps on the defensive line, posting 17 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss in 2016. He played basketball all four years of high school, at both McCallie and Central. A two-star recruit, Curtis was the No. 205 offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class and the No. 69 recruit in Tennessee. After not playing football as a junior, he wasn’t well-known on the recruiting radar, but he turned heads at camps the summer before his senior year. Curtis finished with 10 total scholarship offers, including from FBS programs like Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee State and Ohio. However, he didn’t want to move too far away and committed to his hometown Chattanooga over Tennessee-Martin. Curtis had an invitation to walk on to the Chattanooga basketball team, too, but decided to focus on football. He took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted because of the pandemic and returned to school for a sixth season in 2022. Curtis graduated with his degree in sport management (May 2021) and is pursuing his master’s in school leadership. He accepted his invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl. YEAR (GP/GS) POSITION NOTES 2017: Redshirted 2018: (10/0) 2019: (12/12) 11 RG, 1 LG 2020: (4/4) RG First Team All-SoCon 2021: (11/11) RG First Team All-SoCon 2022: (11/11) 7 LT, 4 RG First Team All-American; First Team All-SoCon; Jacobs Blocking Award (top conference OL) Total: (48/38) 30 RG, 7 LT, 1 LG HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP COMBINE 6057 324 35 10 1/4 83 7/8 5.24 3.06 1.83 26 1/2 8’9” 4.97 7.70 25 PRO DAY 6057 325 35 10 1/8 83 7/8 - - - - - - - - (position drills only – choice)
STRENGTHS: Broad-bodied blocker with elite length/wingspan … flashes the ability to establish leverage when he rolls his hips, working low to high … not shy throwing haymakers to jar defenders off their spot or create an avalanche on down blocks … owns the core power to stall rushers at contact and drop anchor in his sets … efficient out of his stance to jump set or get on the move … makes a beeline to his target when pulling … tipped the scale north of 360 pounds when he enrolled but maintained a trim 325 pounds in college … known for his strong personal character … earned a 4.0 GPA over the last three years and was appointed to the NCAA Division I Oversight Committee in September 2021 … logged 38 career starts, at three different positions.
WEAKNESSES: Needs to use more consistent knee bend in pass sets to keep his taller stature from sapping his leverage … more of a pusher than latch-and-control blocker in the run game … often finds his upper half overextended, giving blockers a chance to pull him to the ground (see: 2022 Illinois tape) … effective on short pulls, but his range will be limited in some schemes … his hands can get crazed at times, and he needs to better reset once defenders get inside his frame … needs to improve his anticipation to understand where pressures are coming from … almost all of his college experience came against FCS competition.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Chattanooga, Curtis played multiple positions in offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo’s wide- and inside-zone scheme. Although not nearly as refined or pro-ready as former teammate Cole Strange (No. 29 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft), Curtis’ senior-season tape (zero sacks allowed) showed a future NFL player. Although he displays some heavy movements in space, Curtis is a road grader in the run game and shows promise in pass protection because of his natural frame and length. However, he is raw in several areas and will find out quickly that he can’t overpower everyone at the next level. Overall, Curtis has down the-road NFL starting ability but needs to learn how to trust his technique and best utilize his biomechanics to maximize his ability, which will take time. He fits best in a power scheme. GRADE: 5th-6th Round.
BACKGROUND: McClendon Curtis grew up in the Chattanooga area and moved a lot throughout his childhood, at one point even living in a shelter with his mother (Angelina). He started playing basketball and football at age 4 and continued playing through various youth levels. For high school, Curtis originally attended McCallie School, an all-boys prep school, where he primarily lined up as a nose tackle. He played on varsity as a sophomore but decided to give up football after the 2014 season because of “hurtful” things said to him by the head coach. Curtis transferred to Chattanooga Central High School in 2015 but didn’t play football as a junior. He decided to return to football as a senior and moved to the offensive line. Starting at left tackle, Curtis earned honorable mention All-State honors. He also saw snaps on the defensive line, posting 17 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss in 2016. He played basketball all four years of high school, at both McCallie and Central. A two-star recruit, Curtis was the No. 205 offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class and the No. 69 recruit in Tennessee. After not playing football as a junior, he wasn’t well-known on the recruiting radar, but he turned heads at camps the summer before his senior year. Curtis finished with 10 total scholarship offers, including from FBS programs like Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee State and Ohio. However, he didn’t want to move too far away and committed to his hometown Chattanooga over Tennessee-Martin. Curtis had an invitation to walk on to the Chattanooga basketball team, too, but decided to focus on football. He took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted because of the pandemic and returned to school for a sixth season in 2022. Curtis graduated with his degree in sport management (May 2021) and is pursuing his master’s in school leadership. He accepted his invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl. YEAR (GP/GS) POSITION NOTES 2017: Redshirted 2018: (10/0) 2019: (12/12) 11 RG, 1 LG 2020: (4/4) RG First Team All-SoCon 2021: (11/11) RG First Team All-SoCon 2022: (11/11) 7 LT, 4 RG First Team All-American; First Team All-SoCon; Jacobs Blocking Award (top conference OL) Total: (48/38) 30 RG, 7 LT, 1 LG HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP COMBINE 6057 324 35 10 1/4 83 7/8 5.24 3.06 1.83 26 1/2 8’9” 4.97 7.70 25 PRO DAY 6057 325 35 10 1/8 83 7/8 - - - - - - - - (position drills only – choice)
STRENGTHS: Broad-bodied blocker with elite length/wingspan … flashes the ability to establish leverage when he rolls his hips, working low to high … not shy throwing haymakers to jar defenders off their spot or create an avalanche on down blocks … owns the core power to stall rushers at contact and drop anchor in his sets … efficient out of his stance to jump set or get on the move … makes a beeline to his target when pulling … tipped the scale north of 360 pounds when he enrolled but maintained a trim 325 pounds in college … known for his strong personal character … earned a 4.0 GPA over the last three years and was appointed to the NCAA Division I Oversight Committee in September 2021 … logged 38 career starts, at three different positions.
WEAKNESSES: Needs to use more consistent knee bend in pass sets to keep his taller stature from sapping his leverage … more of a pusher than latch-and-control blocker in the run game … often finds his upper half overextended, giving blockers a chance to pull him to the ground (see: 2022 Illinois tape) … effective on short pulls, but his range will be limited in some schemes … his hands can get crazed at times, and he needs to better reset once defenders get inside his frame … needs to improve his anticipation to understand where pressures are coming from … almost all of his college experience came against FCS competition.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Chattanooga, Curtis played multiple positions in offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo’s wide- and inside-zone scheme. Although not nearly as refined or pro-ready as former teammate Cole Strange (No. 29 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft), Curtis’ senior-season tape (zero sacks allowed) showed a future NFL player. Although he displays some heavy movements in space, Curtis is a road grader in the run game and shows promise in pass protection because of his natural frame and length. However, he is raw in several areas and will find out quickly that he can’t overpower everyone at the next level. Overall, Curtis has down the-road NFL starting ability but needs to learn how to trust his technique and best utilize his biomechanics to maximize his ability, which will take time. He fits best in a power scheme. GRADE: 5th-6th Round.
joey
Footballguy
This makes me smile. Fingers crossed they found some gems.
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
Big E has been on the tweeters saying that he and miller will be the 2 best tackles in the league. He definitely hasn’t gotten the memo that he’s playing G.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Jones restructuring of contract freeing up $5 milliom in cap
Chadstroma
Footballguy
I saw that... if he wins out, great. They could likely find a salary cap cut to pick up at G for an upgrade over Bars at 53 man cuts. I just have a feeling they are looking to go this route and that doesn't mean they have decided on it 100% or even so told Eluemanur. He was talking last off season or early last season about how he was working harder than he did with other opportunities at NE to be a starting RT.
massraider
Footballguy
2023 NFL Draft Winners and Losers: Consensus Big Board High on Browns, Eagles, and More
We use the consensus big board to score teams in the 2023 NFL Draft and find the real winners and losers of the three-day event.
www.profootballnetwork.com
‘each team performance based on consensus draft board. Raiders ranked 12th.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
What I learned about our UDFA class from The Athletic.
- Dalton Wagner got $250K guaranteed, highest among UDFA, has good size, strength and length- not very athletic and needs better technique but if he develops that has a good shot at making roster.
- Not drafting a OL was not the plan. They targeted a couple but their target was taken 1-3 spots before and they had to roll with the draft.
- McClendon Curtis, same story as Wagner. Some impressive traits but needs to develop technique but has high upside- potential starter material if he develops.
- Drake Thomas, 4 year starter with high production and did it all at NC State run stopping, pass rush, and coverage but small size.
- Adam Plant, average athlete but productive pass rusher at UNLV
- Brock Martin, small size but productive pass rusher at Oklahoma St.
- George Tarlas, showed production at Boise St before injury, lacks size and athleticism- expected to be a camp body
- Jaydon Grant, lacks ideal size and speed. Played both corner and safety at Oregon St.
- John Shenker- undersized but good blocker
- Jordan Perryman, no INT's and only one deflection at Washington, likely camp body
- Azizi Hearn, above average speed and size with 4 years of starting but older with a 6 yr college career. No INT's and 21 deflections in college career.
- Dalton Wagner got $250K guaranteed, highest among UDFA, has good size, strength and length- not very athletic and needs better technique but if he develops that has a good shot at making roster.
- Not drafting a OL was not the plan. They targeted a couple but their target was taken 1-3 spots before and they had to roll with the draft.
- McClendon Curtis, same story as Wagner. Some impressive traits but needs to develop technique but has high upside- potential starter material if he develops.
- Drake Thomas, 4 year starter with high production and did it all at NC State run stopping, pass rush, and coverage but small size.
- Adam Plant, average athlete but productive pass rusher at UNLV
- Brock Martin, small size but productive pass rusher at Oklahoma St.
- George Tarlas, showed production at Boise St before injury, lacks size and athleticism- expected to be a camp body
- Jaydon Grant, lacks ideal size and speed. Played both corner and safety at Oregon St.
- John Shenker- undersized but good blocker
- Jordan Perryman, no INT's and only one deflection at Washington, likely camp body
- Azizi Hearn, above average speed and size with 4 years of starting but older with a 6 yr college career. No INT's and 21 deflections in college career.
ericttspikes
Footballguy
Should be a good fit for the McDaniels system. No mobility, but stands in there and delivers with good accuracy. Trusts his receivers to make plays and not afraid to throw it. Surprised both O'Connell and Charlie Jones were drafted this high, but both guys were the Purdue offense last year and put up big numbers. Doubt he is a future franchise QB but it has happened before. He is one of the later round QB's I can see pulling a Brock Purdy and surprising people if given a chance. With only Garoppolo and Hoyer in front, he may play sooner than later.
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I see Scott Mitchell. Which is ok for where he was drafted.
Chaka
Footballguy
Scott Mitchell would an amazing outcome. Love the comp.
massraider
Footballguy
I just remember some guy talking about Stroud, and he said, hey, put O'Connell at OSU, he would have put up those numbers.
Upside is maybe O'Connell is a backup for 4+ years. That is my goal. Looking for Don Struck over here
Upside is maybe O'Connell is a backup for 4+ years. That is my goal. Looking for Don Struck over here
Chadstroma
Footballguy
The Casper/Mayer is deeper than I realized...
This is pretty crazy, The last time the Raiders drafted a TE from ND it was “The Ghost” Dave Casper! Both Casper and Mayer played at ND, both wore #87, both were drafted in round 2 by the Raiders, and both are 6’4 Dawg TEs
This is pretty crazy, The last time the Raiders drafted a TE from ND it was “The Ghost” Dave Casper! Both Casper and Mayer played at ND, both wore #87, both were drafted in round 2 by the Raiders, and both are 6’4 Dawg TEs
Chadstroma
Footballguy
I don't get the Scott Mitchell comp.
Scott was not very accurate and his decision making was questionable which are the two things O'Connell supposedly excels at.
How do you see that as being the comp?
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ZADO
Footballguy
He reminds me of Jim Plunkett with a weaker arm, but he has the same pocket movement and the same touch on his passes , the movements are pretty similar IMO
I’m not going to pretend I remember much about the NFL in the late 80s early 90s, I was just a teenager. He just reminds me of him. I have no stats to back anything up, I can just see O’Connell being that type of QB. And I say that because if we’re looking at how the patriots have handled their QBs in the past, they’re treated more like commodities than potential starters or guys who become starters for them. Guys like Cassell, Jimmy G and Brisset were all drafted and developed then traded away, which I can see happening to O’Connell.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
We don't have a lot of money under the cap to do much but with the restructure of Jones we have a little cash to spend. Available top FA's:
- Carson Wentz, former Eagles, Colts, and Commanders quarterback
- Julio Jones, former Falcons, Titans, and Bucs wide receiver
- Taylor Lewan, former Titans offensive tackle
- Leonard Floyd, former Bears and Rams linebacker
- DJ Fluker, former Chargers, Seahawks, and Ravens offensive lineman
- Ezekiel Elliott, former Cowboys running back
- Marcus Peters, former Chiefs and Ravens cornerback
- Kenny Golladay, former Lions and Giants wide receiver
- Matt Ioannidis, former Commanders and Panthers defensive lineman
- Frank Clark, former Seahawks and Chiefs defensive end
- Isaiah Wynn, former Patriots offensive tackle
- Markus Golden, former Cardinals defensive end
- Jarvis Landry, former Dolphins, Browns, and Saints wide receiver
- Dawuane Smoot, former Jaguars defensive lineman
- Casey Hayward, former Packers, Chargers, Raiders, and Falcons cornerback
- Melvin Ingram, former Chargers, Chiefs, and Dolphins linebacker
- Ronald Darby, former Bills, Broncos, Commanders, and Saints cornerback
- Carlos Dunlap, former Bengals and Chiefs defensive end
- Logan Ryan, former Patriots, Titans, Giants, and Bucs safety
- George Fant, former Seahawks and Jets offensive tackle
- Matt Ryan, former Falcons and Colts quarterback
- Yannick Ngakoue, former Jaguars, Raiders, Ravens, and Colts defensive end
- Donovan Smith, former Bucs offensive tackle
- Trey Flowers, former Lions and Patriots defensive end
- John Johnson, former Browns and Rams safety
- Shaquill Griffin, former Seahawks and Jaguars cornerback
- Jadeveon Clowney, former Texans, Seahawks, and Browns defensive end
- Kyle Van Noy, former Patriots, Dolphins, and Chargers linebacker
- Ben Jones, former Titans center
- Shelby Harris, former Broncos and Seahawks defensive tackle
- Adrian Amos, former Bears and Packers safety
- Robert Quinn, former Rams, Bears, Cowboys, and Eagles defensive end
- Leonard Fournette, former Jaguars and Bucs running back
- Poona Ford, former Seahawks defensive tackle
- Bryce Callahan, former Broncos and Chargers cornerback
- Cameron Brate, former Bucs tight end
- Jerick McKinnon, former Vikings and Chiefs running back
- Rock Ya-Sin, former Colts and Raiders cornerback
- Myles Jack, former Jaguars and Steelers linebacker
- Melvin Gordon, former Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs running back
- Duron Harmon, former Patriots, Raiders, Lions, and Falcons safety
- Artie Burns, former Steelers cornerback
- Billy Turner, former Broncos and Packers offensive lineman
- Rodger Saffold, former Rams and Bills guard
- Anthony Barr, former Vikings and Cowboys linebacker
- Kareem Hunt, former Chiefs and Browns running back
- Randall Cobb, former Packers and Cowboys wide receiver
- Dalton Risner, former Broncos guard
- Justin Houston, former Chiefs, Colts, and Ravens linebacker
- Robbie Gould, former Bears and 49ers kicker
- Darrell Henderson, former Rams running back
- Teddy Bridgewater, former Vikings, Broncos, Saints, and Panthers quarterback
LawFitz
Footballguy
FMIA: A Night in the Raiders' Draft Room and 12 Minutes With C.J. Stroud - ProFootballTalk
Peter King hits the road for the 2023 NFL Draft with in-depth accounts from the Raiders' draft room during round one and the Texans' facility one day later.
Interesting insight here from round 1. Raiders contemplated trading down to 12 where they might have take Anton Harrison. Holy ish, would that have caused meltdowns across Raider nation.
kaso
Footballguy
I believe this was a quote from my ex wife
Interesting insights from Peter King, who was present in the Raiders’ War Room.
They were targeting 4 players at 7.
Tyree
Witherspoon
Anderson
Johnson
According to King, they were not in the QB market at all in the first round and were hoping three QBs go in the first six picks to land one of their four targets. Sounds like Johnson was their #1 target, but the Cards jumped them and Wilson became the pick.
They were targeting 4 players at 7.
Tyree
Witherspoon
Anderson
Johnson
According to King, they were not in the QB market at all in the first round and were hoping three QBs go in the first six picks to land one of their four targets. Sounds like Johnson was their #1 target, but the Cards jumped them and Wilson became the pick.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Even more interesting to me was that Anderson was one of them and sounded like ranked higher than Wilson.... because of the size, that is somewhat surprising to me.
Yeah I wonder how much concern there is for Wilson’s foot. Sounds like he will be ready for camp. And I have to trust Ziegler and Champ’s judgment, their jobs are on the line now. It’s not like Gruden and his 10 year contract, throwing caution to the wind and not worrying about job security. These guys have to keep that in mind with every pick.
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
On Sirius, they said one scouting note was: "A sack waiting to happen."
When I heard that I immediately thought of Brady, then JM being his coach, and thought "Ya, that fits."
Chaka
Footballguy
I like the Scott Mitchell comp. The Raiders don't necessarily need him to be the QB of the future, they need him to be a spot starter who performs well enough in short stints as the starter that another team will consider dealing for him. The Patriots have always worked every angle to add to their draft capital. Drafting QBs, making them look viable in spot starts and dealing them for picks and players is something they have done quite a few times.
Cassel, Brisset, Stidham, Garoppolo, Mallett all netted picks or players for the Patriots. Green Bay also had a reputation for the QB pipeline for awhile.
O'Connell only needs to be good enough to convince someone else to give up a 2nd round pick for him. And if he turns out to be the future All Pro QB of the Raiders, so much the better.
Cassel, Brisset, Stidham, Garoppolo, Mallett all netted picks or players for the Patriots. Green Bay also had a reputation for the QB pipeline for awhile.
O'Connell only needs to be good enough to convince someone else to give up a 2nd round pick for him. And if he turns out to be the future All Pro QB of the Raiders, so much the better.
Exactly, nothing wrong with starting a QB factory in Vegas
Chaka
Footballguy
QB factory, underrepresented minority coaching and front office factory too. Any way to get an edge up.
LawFitz
Footballguy
Need to succeed first so these dudes become in demand, but I do like this train of thought. San Fran has been cleaning up 3rd round comp picks the last few years between minority hires and FA losses. Best one was Mike McDaniel the Miami HC who looks like a White junior college professor but is actually half Black. Fracking Niners got a 3rd round pick for this dude being a 'minority' hire!
Miami Dolphins
Mike McDaniel was named the 11th head coach in team history on Feb. 7, 2022. The 2022 season was McDaniel's 16th in the NFL and first as a head coach.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Ok, after digesting the draft and doing some reading... here is my take on the daft:
Tyree Wilson- I absolutely loved this pick. There were two players I wanted here which of course Wilson was one of them. The other was Carter but that was more about wanting a DT that can wreck a game. I knew the potential of getting Carter was low because of the off field and too close of an echo to Ruggs which is to fresh to ignore. That being said, Wilson really has one question mark which is his foot injury whereas Carter had more question marks. Wilson comes in and I think instantly uprades our pass rush. He should take snaps from Jones which will hopefully keep old man Jones more effective so we not only get production from a top young pass rushing defensive end but we have a vet who can come in and be fresh to add some pass rush too. Wilson is pretty much a bigger version of Jones. I love the idea of Wilson learning from Jones and watching the work ethic of Maxx to learn how to be a pro.
Michael Mayer- As much as I loved the Wilson pick, I love this one even more. Sure, it wasn't another defender but when a guy like Mayer falls that far in the draft for no other reason than it was a strong TE class so I think teams were going other directions feeling that could get another TE later. Mayer gets a ton of love and I am probably a little higher on him than most. Consensus is that he is a solid middle of the 1st round pick type of player. There are some disagreements on who the best TE in the draft is but I think you have to ask "What do you want from a TE?" If that answer is a true Y TE then Mayer is the best TE and it isn't close. They looked to move back into the 1st to grab him there but it didn't work out. I am not sure if getting him later is better.... sure, we didn't have to give up as much to go up and get him but now we don't have that 5th year option which I have no doubt we will have wanted to use. Overjoyed by us getting him.
Byron Young- We went DT here which was a need. He sounds like he is smart player that is a run stopper first with some potential to push a pocket though not really a sack producer. Hoping he makes an impact in rotation.
Tre Tucker- This was surprising at first but then digging into things it made more sense. We lack speed in our WR corps and Tucker adds it. The only speedster we have is an underperforming 30 year old with an injury history. Tucker seems meant to add some speed, provide some ability for jet sweeps, bubble screens, etc and provide some return ability. Plus, he did well on ST's on defense as well. I don't expect much from him on the offense- he isn't going to take snaps away from Adams, Meyers or Renfrow but he will get some appearances to help stretch the field and otherwise use his speed.
Jakorian Bennett- Back to back picks that Al would have approved of. A guy with 4.3 speed. A smaller but big enough with showing some ability to get his hands on the football. Should contribute but like most 4th round picks the question is how much.
Aidan O'Connell- There is a lot of talk about this pick. The take on him is that he is an accurate thrower who can 'process' well- which is basically exactly what McD wants in a QB for their system. After all, Brady and all the others on through Jones were/are not exactly dual threat QB's. The one QB with the most dual threat ability (though diminished by his time working with McD) is the guy who had the least amount of success in the system (Newton). The big negative on him is he can move about as well as I can, which is to say he can't move. I read one comment that said he has the mobility of a tree. If he can do everything else well and that it the big problem- I am happy with this pick. As for drafting QB's late, it makes sense for teams to take flyers on these guys late is the upside/downside on it is so hugely favorable. If you hit on a QB late it gives you flexibility to trade them or if good enough take over at the most important position on the field. The Niners showed that having several QB's to call on isn't such a bad thing. It may be a lot to ask of him to unseat Hoyer out of the gate simply because Hoyer knows the system in and out but whichever one makes the team, the other will get stashed on the PS.
Christopher Smith- Basically the same size as Bennett. Known for being smart, athletic and plays the ball well. Apparently fell in the draft due to the smaller size.
Amari Burney- A safety converted to LB who showed the ability to do everything in tackling, rushing, covering etc.
Nesta Jade Silvera- Has a quick first step but needs to learn to use it. A project with promise... pretty much what you are looking for these deep.
Overall, the first two picks were home runs. Though we did pick up a TE, WR and QB the rest were centered around the defense. The TE made perfect sense and was for a top tier talent. The WR was a little puzzling but also makes sense when you look at the roster composition. Taking a shot at a QB makes sense regardless if you think there is potential and a system fit and even more so when you have an average QB that is known to get hurt and his back up is older than me.
I am pretty happy with the draft overall. I can't say there was anything were I was totally upset about what we did and each selection makes sense when looking at the big picture. Here is hoping they all pan out.
Tyree Wilson- I absolutely loved this pick. There were two players I wanted here which of course Wilson was one of them. The other was Carter but that was more about wanting a DT that can wreck a game. I knew the potential of getting Carter was low because of the off field and too close of an echo to Ruggs which is to fresh to ignore. That being said, Wilson really has one question mark which is his foot injury whereas Carter had more question marks. Wilson comes in and I think instantly uprades our pass rush. He should take snaps from Jones which will hopefully keep old man Jones more effective so we not only get production from a top young pass rushing defensive end but we have a vet who can come in and be fresh to add some pass rush too. Wilson is pretty much a bigger version of Jones. I love the idea of Wilson learning from Jones and watching the work ethic of Maxx to learn how to be a pro.
Michael Mayer- As much as I loved the Wilson pick, I love this one even more. Sure, it wasn't another defender but when a guy like Mayer falls that far in the draft for no other reason than it was a strong TE class so I think teams were going other directions feeling that could get another TE later. Mayer gets a ton of love and I am probably a little higher on him than most. Consensus is that he is a solid middle of the 1st round pick type of player. There are some disagreements on who the best TE in the draft is but I think you have to ask "What do you want from a TE?" If that answer is a true Y TE then Mayer is the best TE and it isn't close. They looked to move back into the 1st to grab him there but it didn't work out. I am not sure if getting him later is better.... sure, we didn't have to give up as much to go up and get him but now we don't have that 5th year option which I have no doubt we will have wanted to use. Overjoyed by us getting him.
Byron Young- We went DT here which was a need. He sounds like he is smart player that is a run stopper first with some potential to push a pocket though not really a sack producer. Hoping he makes an impact in rotation.
Tre Tucker- This was surprising at first but then digging into things it made more sense. We lack speed in our WR corps and Tucker adds it. The only speedster we have is an underperforming 30 year old with an injury history. Tucker seems meant to add some speed, provide some ability for jet sweeps, bubble screens, etc and provide some return ability. Plus, he did well on ST's on defense as well. I don't expect much from him on the offense- he isn't going to take snaps away from Adams, Meyers or Renfrow but he will get some appearances to help stretch the field and otherwise use his speed.
Jakorian Bennett- Back to back picks that Al would have approved of. A guy with 4.3 speed. A smaller but big enough with showing some ability to get his hands on the football. Should contribute but like most 4th round picks the question is how much.
Aidan O'Connell- There is a lot of talk about this pick. The take on him is that he is an accurate thrower who can 'process' well- which is basically exactly what McD wants in a QB for their system. After all, Brady and all the others on through Jones were/are not exactly dual threat QB's. The one QB with the most dual threat ability (though diminished by his time working with McD) is the guy who had the least amount of success in the system (Newton). The big negative on him is he can move about as well as I can, which is to say he can't move. I read one comment that said he has the mobility of a tree. If he can do everything else well and that it the big problem- I am happy with this pick. As for drafting QB's late, it makes sense for teams to take flyers on these guys late is the upside/downside on it is so hugely favorable. If you hit on a QB late it gives you flexibility to trade them or if good enough take over at the most important position on the field. The Niners showed that having several QB's to call on isn't such a bad thing. It may be a lot to ask of him to unseat Hoyer out of the gate simply because Hoyer knows the system in and out but whichever one makes the team, the other will get stashed on the PS.
Christopher Smith- Basically the same size as Bennett. Known for being smart, athletic and plays the ball well. Apparently fell in the draft due to the smaller size.
Amari Burney- A safety converted to LB who showed the ability to do everything in tackling, rushing, covering etc.
Nesta Jade Silvera- Has a quick first step but needs to learn to use it. A project with promise... pretty much what you are looking for these deep.
Overall, the first two picks were home runs. Though we did pick up a TE, WR and QB the rest were centered around the defense. The TE made perfect sense and was for a top tier talent. The WR was a little puzzling but also makes sense when you look at the roster composition. Taking a shot at a QB makes sense regardless if you think there is potential and a system fit and even more so when you have an average QB that is known to get hurt and his back up is older than me.
I am pretty happy with the draft overall. I can't say there was anything were I was totally upset about what we did and each selection makes sense when looking at the big picture. Here is hoping they all pan out.
ZADO
Footballguy
Nice evaluations , thanks for taking the time to type out a readable and positive post
The thing i love most is we didnt take weird chances by way over reaching , everyone picked were picked within their ADP
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
I’m nit picking but I didn’t think the trade up was necessary to get the qb
massraider
Footballguy
By the way, all of these draft picks are a year older because Covid, so we should expect them to hit the ground running. If they don't? Well, do you wanna be a 24 year old who hasn't shown anything by next summer? This is not a young class--League wide.
When I looked at Tyree the first time, i thought he was thicker than he was. He's leaner and quicker than I thought. As an athlete, somewhere in the JPP to Carlos Dunlap range, actually in the Maxx Crosby range. Having a condor on either side of the defense could really be something. Not my first choice, but I am onboard, and prefer to a dang CB fo sho.
Mayer was the complete TE, who is probably more of a plus receiver than most. I love tight ends, I think McD has been around offenses who used TE really well, and Jimmy G likes that part of the field. I thought beforehand that there would probably be a TE McD would like at this spot, and his #1 guy, so that's great. And really, you tell me who in the 2nd round you would have taken over Mayer.
I think guys like Tre Tucker, Byron Young, and Aidan O'Connell is the front office trying to hit doubles, not home runs. Tucker is going to be be on all special teams, hopefully a plus returner, and fights for targets.
Young looks like a rotational DT to me, workman like guy who can stop the run, and maybe get a little push. I will tell you what, Graham needs to show some progress, because we have added a lot of bodies, which I like. Maxx/Jones/Wilson/Willis/Koonce outside, and Nichols/Tillery/Butler/Young/Farrell. I really liked Jordan Willis coming out of college, love to see him help out.
And Aidan O'Connell you hope he's McD's designated backup. if it turns out he's the next Tom Brady, hey, that would be swell. But if he's just the system backup guy, for a late 4th? Yes, no doubt.
Jakorian Bennett is in the top 5% athletically, of CBs in the draft. I have to say, I have a hard time feeling strongly about CB in the draft. I want us to draft them, but the return on top drafted guys is not great. Now the question is, why did he fall this far? Worth the pick, obviously.
Christopher Smith was interesting, maybe a zone nickel type, and he's supposed to have a high football IQ. I wonder about these other guys that played for Georgia. His floor is really low, IMO. Not a good athlete. But if he can be a 4th safety and play ST for 4 years, it's worth it. Same with Burney.
All in all, a focus on defense. Mayer was BPA. Special teams should be better,
When I looked at Tyree the first time, i thought he was thicker than he was. He's leaner and quicker than I thought. As an athlete, somewhere in the JPP to Carlos Dunlap range, actually in the Maxx Crosby range. Having a condor on either side of the defense could really be something. Not my first choice, but I am onboard, and prefer to a dang CB fo sho.
Mayer was the complete TE, who is probably more of a plus receiver than most. I love tight ends, I think McD has been around offenses who used TE really well, and Jimmy G likes that part of the field. I thought beforehand that there would probably be a TE McD would like at this spot, and his #1 guy, so that's great. And really, you tell me who in the 2nd round you would have taken over Mayer.
I think guys like Tre Tucker, Byron Young, and Aidan O'Connell is the front office trying to hit doubles, not home runs. Tucker is going to be be on all special teams, hopefully a plus returner, and fights for targets.
Young looks like a rotational DT to me, workman like guy who can stop the run, and maybe get a little push. I will tell you what, Graham needs to show some progress, because we have added a lot of bodies, which I like. Maxx/Jones/Wilson/Willis/Koonce outside, and Nichols/Tillery/Butler/Young/Farrell. I really liked Jordan Willis coming out of college, love to see him help out.
And Aidan O'Connell you hope he's McD's designated backup. if it turns out he's the next Tom Brady, hey, that would be swell. But if he's just the system backup guy, for a late 4th? Yes, no doubt.
Jakorian Bennett is in the top 5% athletically, of CBs in the draft. I have to say, I have a hard time feeling strongly about CB in the draft. I want us to draft them, but the return on top drafted guys is not great. Now the question is, why did he fall this far? Worth the pick, obviously.
Christopher Smith was interesting, maybe a zone nickel type, and he's supposed to have a high football IQ. I wonder about these other guys that played for Georgia. His floor is really low, IMO. Not a good athlete. But if he can be a 4th safety and play ST for 4 years, it's worth it. Same with Burney.
All in all, a focus on defense. Mayer was BPA. Special teams should be better,
ZADO
Footballguy
Interesting comments and views about the picks here
What They're Saying: NFL analysts weigh in on Raiders draft class
Analysts around the media give their first impressions of the Silver and Black's 2023 draft.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Kiper being the most pessimistic bodes wellInteresting comments and views about the picks here
What They're Saying: NFL analysts weigh in on Raiders draft class
Analysts around the media give their first impressions of the Silver and Black's 2023 draft.www.raiders.com
Chaka
Footballguy
This doesn't concern me, he doesn't need to run for 20 yards, or even have plus escapability he needs to have pocket awareness, know when and where to get rid of the ball and maybe the occasional QB sneak.
Chaka
Footballguy
Personally I love this pick and think he could be a day 1 starter.
He is physically a clone of Deonte Banks, has a ton of experience and the stats to back it up. Over the last two seasons he has 23 starts, 5 INT, 22 PD and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Head-to-head v Banks last year Bennett had more tackles (39-38), TFL (1.5-0.5), INT (2-1), PD (11-8).
I am sure Banks is a better prospect for many reasons but Bennett seems to have all the tools necessary to be a producer in the NFL.
massraider
Footballguy
Dave Ziegler Recaps Day 2, Talks Michael Mayer and Tre Tucker | 2023 NFL Draft | Raiders
General Manager Dave Ziegler addresses the media to recap Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.ðº: Watch the 2023 NFL Draft on NFL Network, ABC & ESPN from April 27-2...
www.youtube.com
Ziegler expects to use Tyree inside, which is awesome. Also mentions Tre as a gadget guy.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Decision Made In Henry Ruggs III Fatal DUI Case | KFAN FM 100.3
A decision has been made in the fatal DUI case involving former Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III.
Plea deal.
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