Oakland Raiders: Grading Out The Team’s 2016 Draft Class
By Kevin Saito
Overview
McKenzie’s draft class was something of a mixed bag this year. But that is to be expected, given that his intent coming into the draft this year was not to lay the foundation and find players who can step in on day one to be impact players. No, his intent coming into this year’s draft was markedly different. And that was simply augmenting the talent he’s already assembled on this supremely talented roster – a roster that he has been building and refining over the last few seasons.
The Raiders are on an upswing and given the talent they’ve acquired this offseason, have a very conceivable opportunity to compete for an AFC West title this year. They’ve got established veterans and young talent at all the key positions, and McKenzie fortified the roster with some good looking, hard working rookies this year.
This year’s draft class was more or less selected based on potential and upside. There are some fantastic athletes in the rookie class who have very, very high ceilings. It’s up to HC Jack Del Rio and his staff to unlock that potential and tap into the talent each and every one of these players brings to the table. And for the most part, they proved last year, that they seem to be quite adept at doing just that.
Next: Despite Criticism, McKenzie Made the Right Pick
None of these players is going to be expected to come in on day one and lock down a position for the next decade. But they are expected to come in and contribute. They are going to get every opportunity to come in and prove themselves. They’ll get every opportunity to come in and earn valuable playing time. And they’ll get every opportunity to show that they belong in Silver and Black.
McKenzie drafted these guys based on their potential and their upside. Some of them are development projects. And with Joseph being the only one who can feasibly step in on day one and have an impact, it means that we won’t know how they’re going to pan out for some time yet. The arrow is pointing upward and McKenzie looked like he picked some fantastic athletes who can be solid contributors, but this draft class is going to need a little time to marinate yet.
Grade: B