In 2013, then-Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie traded down to No. 12 and used that selection on cornerback D.J. Hayden. A year earlier, the Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive tackle Fletcher Cox at No. 12. That about sums up the hit-and-miss nature of picking just outside the top 10 in the NFL draft. Yet, that’s where
From Marshawn Lynch and Warren Sapp to DJ Hayden and Patrick Bates, picking at No. 12 a hit-and-miss prospect for Raiders
Interesting read – how strange is it that with all the tape reviewing, interviews and endless analysis, teams can’t even ensure a hit with only the 12th pick in the draft year on year?
Cork, you have often made the point that the draft is a crap shoot…. this is plenty of proof that is the case!!
Jeudy, Lamb or Ruggs – take a chance!
Thanks, Andy. It is, indeed. For several reasons. One that gets overlooked far too often is the fact that top receivers run free most of the time in college, good defensive ends don’t face many, sometimes any, pro-caliber tackles. For instance, how much stock can you place in a game between Alabama and Appalachian State? Very little. That’s why Mike Mayock based a lot of what he saw and did in last year’s draft upon what he saw live between Clemson and Alabama in the title game.
Gruden and Mayock seem to have formed a great team when it comes to the draft.
The hope is this draft is even better than last years, a sizeable feat.
As always, its who we pick and not what number.
Fantastic article Cork!
Thank you, Philip. Next up, one on the 19th pick. Should be even more enlightening.
The 12th pick is difficult since you are picking players that are outside the “elite” range yet projecting them to be elite. It’s a trap zone for a team.
Mayock seems like to a) like high character guys b) value production over potential
Thus he’s risk averse and willing to take “doubles” rather than a high risk high reward player.
Hence, we get Clelin Ferrell.
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