Oakland Raiders: Grading Each Pick Of The 2015 NFL Draft

CAN SOMEONE IN THIS YEAR'S DRAFT SURPASS #1 PICK KHALIL MACK'S SUCCESS AS A ROOKIE?

*****

With the 4th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders select...

It seems to me the days of biting my fingernails, lip and smashing TV's may be over, with that said I believe we had a good draft but not great

RD1 pick 4- Amari Cooper WR Alabama 6'1" 211. This was a great pick by the front office, while some had us taking Leonard Williams which would have ultimately gave us an immediate top half of the league defense, Carr needs help and Cooper should immediately step in a be #1, gaining ROY along the way.

Grade-A

RD2 pick 3(35)- Mario Edwards Jr DT FSU 6'3"285. I was a bit surprised by this pick, although it should help out to free up K. Mack to attack from numerous places I was thinking CB or possibly a trade with Chicago for Bennett. This kid has a good upside though at 23 years old should be a huge part of our success at getting to the QB

Grade-B

RD3 pick 4(68)-Clive Walford TE Miami 6'4" 250. Love this pick, granted the experts say it was a bit high, I think he was by far the best TE available and under the radar do to limited football history, can stretch D and solid hands.

Grade-A

RD4 24(128)-Jon Feliciano OG Miami 6'4" 325. Do not like this pick, there were still OL on the board that could come in and compete for K Barnes job, I dont think Feliciano can win that job.Prove me wrong big Jon.

Grade-D

RD5 4(140)-Ben Heeney OLB Kansas 6' 230. tough fill in the gaps run stopper, his size and play reminds me of a London Fletcher type guy. Special teams and certain packages to start.

Grade-C

RD5 25(161)-Neiron Ball OLB Florida 6'2" 240. Another surprise pick here, when still no corners showing either a huge trust in our young bucks, or remnants of bad choices, ill go with the first. at 22 years old he can develop into a solid linebacker needs to work on his feet and ability to read pass run to get that first step.

Grade-C

RD6 3(179)-Max Valles OLB Virginia 6'5 250. Either we are switching to a 3-4 or staff has decided to go young and passionate and groom these young men hoping they pan out within a couple years.This young man is 20 years old and hasnt grown into his frame, If he makes the squad I see him making an impact getting to opposing qbs and altering throws with his size and wingspan

Grade-B

RD7 1(218)-Anthony Morris OL Tennesee St. 6'6" 290. This kid i raw, usually when OL are taken this low its because they are not developed, while Feliciano is said to compete for a starting spot, I dont think the same for Morris, McKenzie wants to bring in young talent and try to develop, If he makes the 53 it will be a good job by Morris.

Grade-C

RD74(221)-Andre Debose WR Florida 6' 190. A solid pick if it turns out the teams investigations as to why he didnt travel and play in the bowl game were indeed a mutual choice not a disciplinary action, he is a great value in this spot being a great return specialist holding acc record with 4 kick return and 1 punt return TD's, we can use the help finishing 14th, if Andre makes the team it will be as a special teams guy.

Grade-B+

RD7 25(242)-Dexter McDonald CB Kansas 6'2" 205. has all the measurables of the bigger corners but is raw and has some technique flaws, but with great coaching from staff and Cwood, he could mold into a steal this late in the draft, running a 4.4 40 he can turn and run with the speed recievers and is big enough to jump ball and win. McDonald like the other two 7th rounders visited Oakland on pre draft visits which some are saying is very smart getting to know the late round guys that usually become the heart of teams, conversely, the raiders did not have pre draft visit with Amari Cooper, or last years phenom Khalil Mack. and on a personal note, another McDonald in the league only gives me an excuse to buy another Jersey.

Grade-B

Overall Grade-B

I come to the B grade not by averaging the individual grades but by the talent and how great the Amari Cooper, Walford, and some of the late round steals can be if things go our way. I think we may have overpaid in draft value dollars on a couple 4 to 6 round guys we probably could have got later, but the way it ended I think we have another solid draft under the regime and I look forward to doubling our win total. Please comment on what you think of the draft.