Monday, May 01, 2023

Raiders Draft Results



Finally, after weeks of Draft Projections we get the real deal. All the Raiders picks look good. They smartly let their needs dictate their picks rather than any shiny object sparkling on the board. 

There was a time where the Raiders (Al Davis) would target speed in the draft as opposed to need. Raiders fans know what I'm talking about (Raiders Speedsters). The ill-fated Henry Ruggs III was the last. Those times are now in the past, thank goodness. 

The Raiders did draft a little speedster/cheetah in the third-round, Tre Tucker out of Cincinnati. He's listed as a wide receiver, but his versatile skillset makes him a multi-purpose threat. He thrived on special teams playing both sides of the ball. A point of interest about Tre is he has a wrestling background, which translates into balance and toughness.

The needs the Raiders addressed were mostly on defense with DE Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech. as their first-round pick (7th). 

A much needed defensive inside presence was drafted in DT Byron Young. "The best ability is availability." He played 54 consecutive games over four years with the Alabama Crimson Tide. What more can you want. Roll Tide!

CB Jakorian Bennett was a needed pick in the fourth-round. He'll add to the much needed depth in the Raiders defensive secondary. "Tenacious & Athletic" are two descriptions used about this pick. 

Another much needed offensive pick was TE Michael Mayer. After seeing Darren Waller leave for New York, and Foster Moreau stepping away from football to address medical issues, Mayer is a welcome sight to the receiving corps. He not only has decent hands but is a big blocking tight end who can seal the corner for end arounds. He's an additional big body on the O-Line and a beast to tackle with the ball.


Mitchell Renz Raiders Draft Grades




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