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@ Undisciplined
2025-04-27 00:55:29After taking the most predictable option on day 1, the last 6 rounds of the draft were a rollercoaster. The Raiders traded back twice in the 2nd round and ended up with some extra picks.
Picks
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RB Ashton Jeanty: Best player available at a position of need. Jeanty + Bowers gives the Raiders offense two elite weapons
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WR Jack Bech: Tough, physical receiver with great hands, willing and able blocker
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CB Darien Porter: Elite athlete, classic Raiders pick, "Can't teach size, can't teach speed."
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OL Caleb Rogers: Versatile, athletic lineman, will likely compete at guard
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OL Charles Grant: Same as above, but more likely to compete at tackle
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WR: Donte Thornton: 6'5" and 4.3 speed, another classic Raiders pick, can open the field for the other weapons
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DT Tonka Hemingway: Dope name, versatile and athletic D-Lineman, adds depth and optionality to a very talented groups
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DT/TE/FB JJ Pegues: Interesting guy, probably won't contribute much as a DT immediately, but could be part of the goal line package on offense, as he had 7 rushing TDs last year and as a former TE could be a red zone target too
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WR/KR/PR/QB Tommy Mellot: Another super versatile player, ran a 4.4 40 as a QB, but will convert to WR and return kicks, seems like someone with tons of trick play potential
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QB Cam Miller: Finally, an actual QB! Won a ton of games at a smaller program.
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LB Cody Lindenberg: 7th rounder, probably special teams if he makes the team
Takeaways
The Raiders added a ton of talent and versatility to their offense, including a defensive player who can contribute to the red zone offense in several ways. They're building a big physically dominant offense around an elite RB/TE combo, with big physical WRs who don't mind blocking and another talented TE.
The defensive line is going to have to be really dominant, which they have the potential for, because there is a dearth of talent behind them. Porter recently converted to CB from WR, so will likely take time to develop, and the others are day 3 picks.
The recipe will likely be to eat up clock on long offensive drives to give our pass rushers lots of breathers. Score reliably with a much improved redzone offense and a great kicker, then rely on that pass rush and the best punter in the league to keep the other team out of the endzone.
It's a good starting point. Maybe they'll sign Ramsey, or something, and really upgrade the defensive back group before the season starts.
originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/962047
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