I'll break down the Raiders draft and add a few of my opinions:
1(14) Karl Joseph (Safety, West Virginia): On the small side, but hits like a hammer and made plays all over the field at West Virginia. Raiders hope he is their Earl Thomas. Was off to a fantastic start to the 2015 season when he tore his ACL in a non contact drill after four games (Joseph is expected to be ready for training camp). While I really like Jospeh as a player, initially I thought it was a reach to take him at 14, but with Keanu Neal being taken a few picks later, that was likely not the case. Joseph fills a need and will be a day one starter.
2(13) Jihad Ward (DE/DT, Illinois): A very divisive pick. Some analysts had him as a late 1st/early 2nd projection, while others had him as a 3rd or 4th rounder. He's very raw, but is seen as an athletic specimen. Very little production while at Illinois. This pick reminds me a little of last years second round pick, Mario Edwards Jr. (an underproducer in college who can get coached-up and fits the scheme) I believe Ward fits best as a 3-4 defensive end, and based on many of the Raiders moves, I'd expect to see them running more 3-4. I'm not a fan of the Ward selection as I felt there were much better players available.
3(12) Shilique Calhoun (DE, Michigan State): Very productive at Michigan State as a pass rusher (27 sacks). Plays the run poorly, doesn't set the edge, often getting caught selling out pass rushing. Will be a situational pass rusher. I'm fine with the pick, thought he was or was close to the best player available
4(2) Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State): Reggie finally trades up and it's for Connor Cook? The Raiders are an improving team, but in my opinion they are not at the point where they can take a developmental QB while leaving guys available who can come in and contribute immediately (Booker, Dixon, Billings, Ervin, etc). I guess this is preparing for McGloin to leave after next season. I see this as Reggie's Packer roots showing, where they draft a developmental QB in the middle rounds every couple of years. The value is fine, I'm just not a fan of the pick. As for the player, Cook has all the arm talent, but his completion percentage was too low, and there are the obvious questions about his leadership ability. Barring injury, will likely be scratched every game this year
5(4) DeAndre Washington (RB, Texas Tech): Washington is a small, shifty back with a powerful lower body. Lots of production with the Red Raiders, but than again, everybody does coming from that system. I think the Raiders liked that Washington is used to running out of the shotgun, and caught a lot of balls out of the backfield. As for my opinion, I think the Raiders waited too long to address the running back position, and Washington dances around behind the line too much for my liking. Washington will get some touches as a 3rd down back
6(19) Corey James (LB, Colorado State): Used as an edge rusher on passing downs before being moved to middle linebacker during his senior season. Offers flexibility, Raiders apparently see him as a sam or will. Will need to prove his worth on special teams
7(13) Vadal Alexander (G, LSU): Good value pick IMO. Was seem as a 4th or 5th rounder many places. Massive frame, played guard for two years before being move to tackle. Powerful blocker who is not athletic enough to play tackle at the NFL level. Very slow, plodding, more of a road grader
