Grading the Raiders’ Draft
Grade: A+
Best Pick: RB Ashton Jeanty, No. 6 Overall
What We Liked: The Raiders got a blue-chip guy at six, hard to argue with that. Jeanty is a big-time impact player for a team that never really had an offense that chugged. However, one great pick does not make an A+ draft class. The Raiders knocked it out of the park with virtually every pick. Their new wide receiver room combines high-floor prospects like Jack Bech with big-upside swings like Dont’e Thornton Jr. Their two offensive linemen picks are both big-time athletes who could start early. Darien Porter may be old for a draft pick, but he’s the perfect Pete Carroll corner. Raiders fans, get excited.
Not Sure About: The two late defensive tackle picks don’t really have any special skills and have limited upside. I would expect them to be rotational players at best. If JJ Pegues starts getting reps at fullback, then get worried about these being wasted picks. I personally would have added a safety earlier, but that’s a nitpick on a top-tier draft class.
–Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media
