Grading The Oakland Raiders’ Undrafted Free Agents
December 27, 2012; Washington, DC USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Noel Grigsby (23) carries the ball as Bowling Green Falcons defensive back Darrell Hunter (1) dives to make the tackle in the third quarter of the 2012 Military Bowl at RFK Stadium. The Spartans won 29-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With the results of the 2014 NFL Draft being a just a week old, the Oakland Raiders are now prepping to welcome their selections to the team. The team is set to kick off their rookie mini camp on Friday and run through Sunday. The Raiders were applauded for having a fairly strong draft, but what about the undrafted free agents? Here’s a list of some of the notable ones below.
1) George Atkinson III, RB, Notre Dame:
This is a legacy signing for the Oakland Raiders, as he is the son former Raiders’ legend George Atkinson. Atkinson is a speedy running back with decent size, but is not a shifty runner. He does not display great lateral agility, which will limit his potential at the running back position. His best chance could come on special teams, as a kick returner.
2) Mike Davis, WR, Texas:
Much was made out of the Texas Longhorns not having a single player selected in the draft, but Mike Davis was one of the few that should have heard his name called. Davis is a speedy receiver that can take the top off of a defense. He had decent production at Texas with 200 career receptions and over 2,700 yards. He has the talent to be an NFL wideout, but can the Raiders’ coaches harness and mold his potential?
3) Noel Grigsby, WR, San Jose St.:
Grigsby was a favorite of mine heading into his senior season, as he set nearly all of San Jose State’s receiving record in just three years. In his one season with David Fales he had a break out season with over 80 receptions and 1,300 yards. He could make some noise by featuring as a shifty slot receiver.
4) Carlos Fields, LB, Winston-Salem: Fields was voted the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Defensive Player of the Year as both a junior and a senior and led his team in tackles both years. As a junior he was apart of the best Division II defense, meaning he was the best defensive player on the best defensive team. In 2013 Fields had 93 total tackles along with 2 sacks and a forced fumble. He might struggle to find lots of playing time early, but this is a great depth move for the Raiders who keep plugging holes to improve the roster.
Overall Grade: B+
Not only did the Raiders’ front office hit a home run with this draft class, they were able to grab several talented undrafted players in order to infuse some much needed depth into their roster. McKenzie might have saved his job (for now), especially if they pan out like many people expect them to.