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Oakland Raiders: Handing out grades for the team’s 2018 draft picks

By Kevin Saito

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "OUR FUTURE IS NOW" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "OUR FUTURE IS NOW" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: A video board displays the text “THE PICK IS IN” for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

player. Sam Houston State. P.J. Hall. 57. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive Tackle

Catching everybody by surprise was the second-round selection of Sam Houston State’s P.J. Hall. Graded out as a third to fourth-round prospect, being selected so high even caught Hall off guard.

There’s no question that he has terrific size to play along the interior of the defensive line. At six-foot-one, 310 pounds, he’s a fireplug of a man. But, he’s got plenty of speed for a man his size, and his production while at Sam Houston State was mind-boggling.

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Hall dominated the competition in the FCS’ Southland Conference, putting up incredible numbers.

But, therein lies the rub. He was beyond dominant in college, but with the level of competition in the NFL light years ahead of that in the Southland Conference, will that sort of production be able to transfer over?

The Raiders came into the draft with an absolute need for fast, explosive defensive linemen who can be stout against the run, as well as push the pocket. Getting a tough, consistent interior presence that could apply pressure from the inside – thus, freeing up Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin on the edges to do their thing – was a stated goal of Gruden heading into the draft.

On paper, it looks like he added some interior help with Hall. Again though, that’s a big if, given the difference in the level of competition at Sam Houston State and the NFL.

Hall’s ceiling is incredibly high though and he’s got a lot of potential He could help transform Oakland’s defensive line from liability to strength. If Hall can make that transition and can be as disruptive and as close to dominant as he was in college though, the Raiders snagged a good one.

But, for all of the question marks, the Hall pick smacks of the common theme to this year’s draft class – a ton of potential, but a reach.

GRADE: B-

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