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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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Oakland Raiders
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 01: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

University of Michigan. 140. player. Scouting Report. Defensive Tackle. 28. Pick Analysis. Maurice Hurst

It’s not often a top-ten talent slips to the fifth-round for non-character issues. But, that’s exactly what happened in the case of Maurice Hurst.

Until the Combine, when a heart issue was detected, Hurst was being spoken of as arguably, the best defensive tackle in the entire draft, and a likely top-ten pick. But, teams were scared off by the heart condition – although he’s been medically cleared numerous times.

Gruden and McKenzie must have been doing cartwheels in the war room when Hurst slid all the way down to the fifth round and wasted no time in going up to get him, further strengthening their defensive front.

Related Story: Raiders Take A Big Risk, Hoping For A Big Reward

At Michigan, Hurst was a blend of strength and speed, becoming one of the Wolverines’ most consistent and dominant defensive lineman. Over his four years at Michigan, Hurst racked up 130 tackles (67 solo), 32 tackles for a loss among them, 13.5 sacks, three passes defensed, a fumble recovery, and forced two fumbles.

At six-foot-two, 298 pounds, he’s not the biggest guy on the line, but he’s got a natural explosiveness and quickness that allows him to get penetration into the backfield. He’s disruptive, solid against the run, can push the pocket, and can get after the quarterback.

With guys like Justin Ellis, Hurst and Hall inside – provided they can both live up to their potential – and Mack and Irvin on the edge, Oakland’s defensive front has suddenly been transformed. On paper, they appear to be incredibly stout against the run, and will give offensive lines nightmares with the number of guys who can get penetration into the backfield.

Provided Hurst’s heart is really not an issue and he is able to maintain his dominant college form, this will undoubtedly go down as the biggest steal in the 2018 Draft.

GRADE: A

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