#draftclass

Picks

1st Round, Pick No. 140- Karl Joseph, DB West Virginia

Analysis- The Raiders desperately needed to improve their defensive unit.   taking the consensus best safety Karl Joseph at number fourteen was an excellent pick for Oakland. It was outstanding considering this kid can slide in the slot or play the deep centerfield role. He can do it all. Many are worried about his size at 200-ish pounds but his playing style has never been a problem up to this point and I don't see why that would happen in the NFL I was jealous the Raiders snagged him this early. 

2nd Round, Pick No. 44- Jihad Ward, DE Illinois

Analysis- Curious pick here considering Ward is not an elite athlete. Was not a huge stat guy in a college and posted average numbers at the combine. He has a habit of throwing his body around to get the job done. That simply wont cut it against elite left tackles in the league. Maybe the Raiders know something we don’t but I just do understand the thought process here with this pick.  

3rd Round, Pick No. 75- Shilique Calhoun, DE Michigan State

Analysis- This pick was a solid for developing depth.  This is a good spot for a productive pass rusher considering Calhoun won't have to come in and be an every down rusher right away. He was a better run defender but If Calhoun develops he can eventually replace Bruce Irvin.

4th Round, Pick No. 100- Connor Cook, QB Michigan State

Analysis-  The Raiders could use a decent backup behind Derek Carr, but they also could've used that fourth-rounder to hit a more immediate need. Cook needs to be developed in order to be an adequate starter in this league but this proves that McKenzie has not forgotten roots. He hand picked Rodgers in Green Bay and will look to groom Cook. He may not ever play a down for the Raiders but could be decent trade bait down the road.  

5th Round, Pick No. 143- DeAndre Washington, RB Texas Tech

Analysis- Love this pick. Explosive player from the backfield and will provided a change of pace as a scat back. Also can be used in a special teams role. Three words with this guy- Big Play Ability.  

6th Round, Pick No. 194- Cory James, OLB Colorado State University

Analysis-   Used as an edge rusher in obvious passing downs during his time at Colorado State. Rushes with upfield burst and is able to dip and bend under the arc to attack the passer. Made switch to middle linebacker in this year and improved along the way. Raw in his technique. 

7th Round, Pick No. 234- Vadal Alexander, OG Louisiana State University 

Analysis-  Camp guy

Grade- A

Today’s draft picks for the Florida Panthers:

77-G Samuel Montembeault

88-D Thomas Schemitsch

102-C Denis Malgin

132-LW Karch Bachman.

147-TRADED for 5th Round pick in 2016 to the NY Islanders

162- RW Christopher Wilkie.

192-?

206-?