Oakland Raiders Compensatory Draft Picks and the Effect It Could Have in 2012

Until the afternoon of March 26th, the Oakland Raiders seemed destined to be extras in the production known as the NFL Draft. With only two selections in the fifth and sixth rounds, it appeared as though help would not be immediately gained for new owner Mark Davis and GM Reggie McKenzie.

However, with the announcement that the Raiders would receive three compensatory picks (the 95th, 129th and 168th overall), the possibilities and potential has increased dramatically.

First things first: The reason that McKenzie was hired was because of his diligence as a personnel man under Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson while with the Green Bay Packers. So it stands to reason that in many ways, this presents a golden opportunity for McKenzie to show his acuity when it comes to finding diamonds in the rough and true depth.

While Al Davis was rightfully criticized for some of his personnel decisions during his last decade as de facto GM of the Raiders, he was able to find many solid players in the fourth round and beyond. These include Michael Bush, Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy and Denarius Moore, who very well may wind up being the steal of the 2011 NFL Draft. 

However, the major tendency of Al Davis was his penchant to select players who were more imposing getting off the bus than they were on the field. He chose players who often looked the part, but did not deliver for a variety of reasons.

This is why McKenzie has an opportunity to make an immediate impact.

With Dennis Allen and the potential to play a much more modern defense with new defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, the Raiders have an opportunity to target college players who are more accomplished as football players than they are as pure physical specimens. 

How does this impact the 2012 season? I believe this is two-fold.

First, it is apparent among many college and NFL men that Tarver and Allen would prefer to play a 3-4 defense. However, the reality is, the Raiders lack the core personnel to make that switch full time. With five overall draft picks, the Raiders could conceivably target the players necessary to switch schemes. This would begin with a true nose tackle. While it would be ideal to have someone like a Vince Wilfork, this is not always a necessity.

There are three players I think the Raiders could take a long look at potentially to fill this role.

1. Nick Jean-Baptiste, DT/NT, Baylor

At 335 pounds, Jean-Baptiste would be a solid pivot man who the Raiders could rotate on running downs. His stock climbed at the East-West Shrine Game and he finds himself as a late third to an early fifth-round pick.  

2. Josh Chapman, DT/NT, Alabama 

While he is admittedly limited as a pass-rusher, Chapman is stout against the run. Chapman is recovering from knee surgery, so there is a chance he could fall to the Raiders at the end of the third round with their compensatory pick. While his rookie season could be affected, Chapman could end up being a steal in the mold of Michael Bush if the Raiders choose to take a flier on him. 

3. Delvin Johnson, DT/NT, Marshall

A guy whose stock rose significantly his senior year, Johnson is 6'3" and 310 pounds. He has plenty of room to bulk up and would be a good value pick in the sixth round.

As most people are aware, the glaring need for the Raiders is now at linebacker. There is potential need both inside and outside with the departure of Kamerion Wimbley, and potential FA loss of Quentin Groves. This could be where the Raiders target an area of real need with their early picks.

These are the three linebackers I think the Raiders could possibly select.

1. Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State 

Admittedly, there is a chance he could go late in the third round, but Burris would be a great pickup for the Raiders with their compensatory pick at No. 95. Burris was an excellent college player and would be ideally suited to rush the QB from a 3-4 base.  

2. Cordarro Law, DE/OLB, Southern Miss

One of my potential sleepers of the entire draft, Law has issues with his motor and motivation. But as demonstrated with his huge Conference USA title game showing against Houston, he can be a real difference maker when his game is right.

At 6'2" and 260 pounds, Law is a great combination of size and speed. He should be available in the fifth round. 

3. J.K. Schaffer, ILB, Cincinnati 

Assuming the Raiders do make a move towards the 3-4, a second inside linebacker would be essential. Schaffer does everything well and his only drawback is his lack of weight at 225 pounds.

Clutch and instinctive, he made plays his entire career at Cincinnati and would be another steal if utilized right. He could be available in the late fifth or early sixth round.

The final analysis is quite simple: Beyond the usual concerns with injuries, the Raiders were too inconsistent defensively to be a serious threat in 2011. While onw can never take one year's results and apply them to the next, a serious overhaul is needed in defensive philosophy.

That is expected with the fiery Tarver and Allen.

To become a more modern defensive team, the Raiders need the right personnel to interchange. That will require multiple linebackers and a legitimate nose tackle to compliment the likes of Richard Seymour, LaMarr Houston, Tommy Kelly and Matt Shaughnessy. The addition of these three picks enables the Raiders at the very least the opportunity to start improving the defense.