The Raiders have had a solid draft for two years in a row now as they build for the future. They are acquiring top players available to put together a team capable of competing with the best of the best. It’s been awhile since the Raiders had a lot to look forward to, and put a good product on the field; as a team undergoing a lot of change, they are now well on their way. Here’s a review of the Raiders 2015 Draft and a look at some of their selections.
Draft Picks:
Round 1 Pick 4: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Round 2 Pick 35: Mario Edwards Jr, DT, Florida State
Round 3 Pick 68: Clive Walford, TE, Miami
Round 4 Pick 128: Jon Feliciano, G, Miami
Round 5 Pick 140: Ben Heeney, LB, Kansas
Round 5 Pick 161: Neiron Ball, LB, Florida
Round 6 Pick 179: Max Valles, LB, Virginia
Round 7 Pick 218: Anthony Morris, OL, Tennessee State
Round 7 Pick 221: Andre Debose, WR, Florida
Round 7 Pick 242: Dexter McDonald, CB, Kansas
Best Pick: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Oakland Raiders have finally added some weapons for quarterback Derek Carr. Before the 2015 Draft, there was a whirlwind of speculation on what the Raiders would do; take Williams and build a pass rush, or provide offensive playmakers for their quarterback. While the defense has it’s issues, the Raiders took linebackers in the later rounds to compete and provide spark alongside the likes of Khalil Mack, Sio Moore, and Justin Tuck.
The offense needed work, and a lot of it. Oakland’s receiving core was a mess last season, and they have brought in some playmakers hungry to prove their worth.
When it comes to Cooper, he is extremely athletic and an instant playmaker for Carr to target. While at Alabama, he led in targets and receptions. Cooper was the first receiver selected in the draft with high expectations. He doesn’t have a flashy or ego-driven personality, which will fit right in with this young Raiders team.
Area of Concern: Secondary
While the Raiders had a solid draft, and not a true “worst pick” it is somewhat alarming that Reggie McKenzie and company waited until the seventh round to take a cornerback. The Raiders secondary struggled last season and are still waiting for 2013 first round draft pick D.J. Hayden to have a healthy season. The ageless wonder, Charles Woodson seems to get even better with age, as he has had two very good seasons with the silver and black since returning to where it all began for him. They will be without Tyvon Branch, who has unfortunately had injury issues, leading the Raiders to cut their ties and move on.
It seemed the Raiders may address this concern earlier in the Draft, but at least it was addressed as they selected Dexter McDonald in the seventh.
Immediate Impact Player: Cooper
Cooper was the top pick in the draft and the player who will have the most impact. This offense has been in desperate need of a player like Cooper for awhile now. They haven’t had a top receiver since the days of Hall of Famer Tim Brown, who Cooper has been compared to. Even Mr. Raider himself said the Raiders needed to take a receiver in the first, and it’s their hope they got the best one in the draft.
There are a lot of high expectations for Cooper, but the most important thing is Carr now has a playmaker and target downfield to pick up yards and charge downfield. Cooper will also be able to learn alongside Michael Crabtree, who will take over the veteran role with the release of James Jones.
Final Grade: B+
The Raiders had another important draft this year and did well with it. They improved the pass rush with the abundance of linebackers they picked up, and selected a player capable of providing spark on offense.
There’s going to be quite a few competitions come training camp at various positions, which is always a good thing to have. Jack Del Rio and company bringing their own change to this organization, and will be able to develop the type of team they want.
Reggie McKenzie is on his way to putting a winning product on the field. They have talent and young players capable of developing as they help this franchise return to their commitment to excellence.