Oakland Raiders Draft Review

2nd Round, Pick #48: Stefen Wisniewski (Guard/Center Penn State)

Oakland is completely overhauling an offensive line that has been garbage for almost the last 10 years, and it is starting to take shape with these last 2 drafts. Last year they drafted Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell who both played, and looked promising as rookies. Now they get a very well rounded, and versatile offensive lineman in Stefen Wisniewski. Wisniewski can effectively play both Guard and Center, but I believe the Raiders will start him out at Center where he will be the starter from day 1, and immediately upgrade the interior line. He is a very reliable, well rounded player who is an excellent run blocker, and also has good athleticism.

Grade- A

3rd Round, Pick #81: Demarcus Van Dyke (CB Miami)

Oakland had been doing so well these past 2 years in the draft, but they couldn't control themselves any longer, and succumbed to temptation. It was a common joke among myself and other draft-niks that Van Dyke (DVD) was destined to be a Raider after running the top 40 at the combine at 4.24, but after last years draft, I thought maybe they had turned a corner. DVD is fast no doubt, but he struggled to even crack the starting lineup in college, as he has very poor awareness, and a very low football IQ. He would be a good guy to pick up later on, but the 81st pick is way too high for a project like him. He will not replace Nnamdi Asomugha!

Grade- D-

3rd Round, Pick #92: Joseph Barksdale (OT L.S.U)

I love this pick, and I really think that people who follow the Raiders will be surprised with how good Barksdale is. He isn't flashy, and isn't an elite athlete, but he gets the job done, and done well. He has been rock solid for LSU the past 3 years, 2 at Right Tackle, and last year at Left. He has helped leaded the Tigers to a top rushing attack each season, and did a great job protecting Jordan Jefferson, who really has been shaky. Barksdale I believe will be a long time starter in the league, and an excellent value in the 3rd round.

Grade- A

4th Round, Pick #113: Chimdi Chekwa (CB Ohio State)

Great job again by the Raiders, picking up another one of my favorite players who I feel is very underrated. Chekwa has all the skills and talent to be an elite cornerback at the next level. He has good size at 6 Feet, top notch speed at 4.4, and has displayed very good instincts and ball skills. In the 4th round this is a terrific value, and had it not been for some injuries in his Senior season, I think he would have gone in the 2nd round.

Grade- A+

4th Round, Pick #125: Taiwan Jones (RB Eastern Washington)

This is another guy who has been projected to be an Oakland Raider ever since he started to burst onto the scene, and I am actually surprised he lasted this long. Taiwan Jones tore up that red field at Eastern Washington rushing for over 17 Hundred yards last season at a 7.9 YPC clip, and totally dominating Division 2. The way he looked in college, he reminds me a lot of a Reggie Bush, Jahvid Best type player, but obviously the competition level is no comparison. He will never be a 20-25 Carry workhorse, but he is a phenomenal athlete who can be a dynamic weapon, used all over the field. Great value here in the 4th.

Grade- A+

5th Round, Pick #148: Denarius Moore (WR Tennessee)

Denarius Moore is a tremendous talent who really should be a lot better than he was in college, but still has a ton of potential. Denarius Moore is an exceptional athlete, at 6 feet, he is very fast and can jump out of the building. While at Tennessee he essentially was good for a couple 50 yard receptions a game, or nothing. He can really stretch the field, and is a very good deep threat, but he is a poor route runner, who has a tough time getting separation underneath. Moore fits the bill for classic Raiders receiver, ton of talent, but whether the talent develops or not is another question.

Grade- C+

6th Round, Pick #181: Richard Gordon (TE Miami)

Very solid pick for the Raiders here, as Gordon will never be a Pro-Bowler, and maybe not even a starter, but he will fill a role, and fill it well. Gordon isn't much of a receiver, but he is a dominant blocker with great size and strength. He will do great as a #2 Tight End, for Power Running formations, where he can just block down on defensive ends and linebackers, and pave holes to run through. Nice pickup in the 6th round.

Grade- B+

7th Round, Pick #241: David Ausberry (WR/TE U.S.C)

David Ausberry was a Big Time recruit coming out of High School, but he never was able to produce at a high level at USC, battling injuries, inconsistency, and a position change from Receiver to Tight End. He is kind of a tweener between Receiver and Tight End, he is 6-4 240, and runs about a 4.6 40. So he would be a very athletic tight end, but undersized, and he really doesn't have the speed to be a receiver. I doubt Ausberry works out at the next level, but he does have some talent. Maybe he can turn into a better version of Ernest Wilford.

Grade- C-