Oakland Raiders: Grading Out The 2015 Draft Class
By Kevin Saito
Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Jack Del Rio (center) with Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (left) and owner Mark Davis at press conference to announce his hiring as Raiders head coach at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Wrapping It Up
McKenzie’s draft class contains a couple of head scratching moves. Taking Edwards in the second round, when he could have had a more polished prospect in Preston Smith didn’t make a lot of sense. Neither did taking Feliciano in the fourth round when he could have addressed more pressing needs, and could have very likely had both in the later rounds.
But McKenzie’s 2015 class is also filled with some absolute brilliant moves as well. Amari Cooper being the crown jewel of the draft class. But further down, taking Ben Heeney, Max Valles, and Dexter McDonald are moves that could pay huge dividends for the Raiders.
Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (left) at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Adding a tight end like Clive Walford adds further layers and complexity to the Raiders’ offense, and gives Derek Carr more weapons to work with. With a running game that may very well be revitalized by Latavius Murray, as well as the additions of Roy Helu and Trent Richardson, combined with what is looking like it will be an incredibly explosive passing attack, the Raiders offense – if they can put all of these pieces together – can go from the worst in the league last season, to one of the best this season.
Though Oakland did not add the premier edge rusher they needed, they did get a solid run stuffer in Edwards, and a player with the potential to be very good off the edge in Valles. Heeney will add some much needed depth at the middle linebacker spot, and allow Miles Burris to slide back outside – though Burris may not be long for this Silver and Black world, truth be told.
For the third consecutive year, the Raiders have loaded up on young talent. Young talent that has the ability to be cornerstones this franchise can continue to build upon as it moves back toward relevance and prominence once again. Though not all of the draft picks are going to pan out – drafting is an inexact science, at best – the Raiders look like they have again, added more players who can be long term contributors than not.
Though not the most sexy draft, though not the one filled with big names and big stars, the Raiders took a bunch of blue collar guys to fill their roster. They took the guys will work the hardest, and be the most willing to sacrifice for the team.
In short, they took the guys who fit best with the vision and philosophy that McKenzie and Del Rio are working hard to instill in Oakland.
2015 was another successful draft for the Raiders. One that will pay huge dividends for the team.
Overall Draft Grade: B+