The Raiders added 10 players to their roster since the NFL draft kicked off Thursday, with nine players being drafted, two acquired via trade and defensive end Jihad Ward going to the Dallas Cowboys as part of one of the trades. It will be months before the Raiders cobble together a draft chart, and when
Interesting take, Cork! Isn’t the new punter a holder, too?
Thanks, Michelle. Yeah, we’ll fine tune the holder, long-snapper backups in the coming days. Working on confirming the undrafted free-agent signings. How did you grade the draft? — Cork
I tend to shy away from grading drafts in their immediate aftermath. I was a bit flummoxed by the failure to nab one of the handful of “impact” defensive players. I do understand the idea of building the lines, but for the love of . . . we need linebackers, DBs, and DTs!! I like the drafting of Mo Hurst (like everyone else). I really liked the trade for Martavius Bryant and hope the trade for Switzer improves our return game. How long has it been since we’ve had a returner take one back to the house? I have a feeling that Arden Key will be productive, but I wonder about the two small school players.
I thought Denver Kirkland and Vandal Alexander are more suited for playing Guard than Tackle. At east I figured those are their primary positions.
You can remove Roberts. He has no special teams ability. He can’t crack the top 4 (Switzer is a better WR than he is & has teams ability). #5 WR is between Ateman & Holton
Same goes for Breno. They didn’t draft Kolton or even Parker ahead of day 1 defensive starters so they could watch a human turnstile. The only question here is, can Kolton beat out Penn?
As for Joseph, I really hope this staff does not continue the square peg-round hole foolishness & force Joseph to play SS. He’s a FS. Obi is a SS. Gilchrist can hopefully be depth @ both & starter @ neither, but if needed could do it.
I agree Joseph needs to at FS he plays to his strengths at that position. Also with the addition of Bryant him and Cooper can take the top off the defense. I think Ateman is way better than where he was taken we need a big body jump ball guy like that over a Holton type speed guy. I think the roster is much improved myself.
Bingo. Miller was drafted to supplant Penn. The sooner, the better, too, in Gruden’s eyes. Parker was drafted to beat out Giacomini right away. They also were drafted as a referendum on all the offensive linemen that McKenzie added beyond the interior trio. Thanks for the feedback, as always. — Cork
I believe Marquel Lee starts at Mike and Tahir will be the Strong
I believe Marquel Lee starts at Mike and Tahir will be the Strong unless Bowman is resigned.
I really like Jason Cabinda the UDFA our of Penn State. I would love to see him challenge Lee. I’m very excited about Switzer also!
Vandal Alexander should not play tackle
He is, to quote Mike Mayock, “a phone booth player,” and should be in natural position of guard