Round 4, Pick 100 (TRADE UP from 114): Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Highlights:
Comment: I was following Day 3 of the draft on my phone while I was in S.F. with family. When I saw that the Raiders selected a quarterback in Connor Cook, I'll admit I was holding my head in confusion. My initial reaction was "what are we doing?" We already have Derek Carr. We have a solid backup in Matt McGloin. Why trade up, lose the extra 5th rounder, and waste a fourth round pick on a position that we don't need? Then as I researched more through my phone, I realized the bigger picture. McGloin will be an unrestricted free agent next year and he likely wants a shot as a starter to another team and the Raiders will eventually pay Carr top-tier money once his rookie contract was up. That's one of the few reasons why this pick makes sense. Before the Raiders traded up, Cook was on the boards of the Cowboys, Chargers, and Chiefs and they're looking for someone to groom when Romo, Rivers, and Alex Smith eventually call it quits. Cook was the best quarterback available after Goff, Wentz, and Paxton Lynch went in the first round and the Raiders scooped him up before they do. Another reason is that Cook can be used as trade bait, so if he develops to be one heck of a backup to Derek Carr and fills in admirably if Carr were to get hurt, another team could use his service and will probably "give up the farm" to the Raiders for Connor Cook. This can be a genius pick or it could backfire. Remember Tyler Wilson from three years ago? Raiders let Wilson go for nothing since he wasn't a fit and McGloin beat him out. Hopefully, this works this time around because this is a risky pick and a highly questionable one for the Raiders.
Round 5, Pick 143: DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech
Highlights:
Comment: So, the Raiders missed out Devontae Booker to screw up some other teams' draft boards to take Connor Cook. We're screaming for a running back and finally, in the fifth round, the Raiders select DeAndre Washington out of Texas Tech. The expectation is that he'll be the complementary back to Latavius Murray. I heard Paul Perkins out of UCLA was still on the board, I thought he would be a better pick, but I'll live with Washington since he fills a need as a change-of-pace back. He had quite a productive year as a senior for the Red Raiders, racking up 1,455 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs and 304 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs. Based on his highlights, he is capable of running in between the tackles, he has pretty quick acceleration once he sees a hole even though he needs to be quicker because defenses in the NFL are much faster closing in at running backs. He reminds me of Maurice Jones-Drew. The funny thing is Washington is almost the same size as MJD and did pattern his game after him. So, I think I'll live with this pick even if we passed up on some better prospects. Murray has a partner-in-crime and it looks like Roy Helu will be shown the door after Washington's selection.
Round 6, Pick 194: Cory James, LB, Colorado State
Highlights:
Comment: The Raiders use the 6th round to stock up some depth at the linebacker position and possibly at special teams. Looking at Cory James' draft profile, he was mainly used as a pass rusher on passing downs, the sack totals are pretty decent: 7.5 sacks (2013), 8 sacks (2014), 6.5 sacks (2015). James was one of Colorado State's most consistent playmakers and he was converted to play the middle linebacker position just last season. Essentially, he can play at any position. I heard the Raiders actually worked James to play either strongside or weakside linebacker. Again, versatility is emphasized here in this pick. Cory James is likely going to be a special teamer and a project at best.
Round 7, Pick 234: Vadal Alexander, G, LSU
Highlights:
Comment: With the Raiders' final pick, they addressed depth on the O-line by selecting this big man out of LSU, Vadal Alexander. 300+ pounds, definitely, he's a fit in the power running game. Again, versatility is considered here and Alexander was capable of playing Left Guard and Right Tackle during his tenure with the Tigers. However, according to his draft profile, he has slow feet and slow change of direction against defenders. He'll get the benefit of a doubt in being coached by one of the best O-line coaches in the NFL in Mike Tice and he's going to be essential as insurance if one player of the Raiders' potential elite O-line goes down (which we hope doesn't happen).
Conclusion
After evaluating each selection, this was a pretty okay class for the Raiders. It's not as legendary as the 2014 class nor is it as great as the 2015 class, but it's just average at best. I liked the Karl Joseph pick. The Jihad Ward pick was "meh." The Shilique Calhoun pick was a solid steal. The Connor Cook pick will continue to make us scratch our heads unless he actually beats out McGloin because McGloin won't go down without a fight and he knows the system well. DeAndre Washington fills a need for a complementary RB. Finally, Cory James and Vadal Alexander are selected to stock up depth. With the way the Raiders built this roster with the 2014 and 2015 draft class and with the 2016 free agency, they've addressed every glaring need on their roster and they used this draft to take the BPA (Best Player Available) in the first round and stock up on some depth. Yes, to the casual fan who doesn't follow college football too much, it's underwhelming, but we'll see how they pan out as the season progresses. Right now, this team is stacked with young talent and this draft is used to add more "nuts and bolts" to this team.
Grade: B-
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