Raiders Draft Picks 2012: What to Expect from Oakland's Newest Rookies

Just because the Raiders had to wait 94 selections before jumping on the draft clock, it doesn't mean they won't see any impact from their incoming rookies this season. 

New GM Reggie McKenzie got his job largely because of his ability and reputation for identifying talent. There will be no better test of that than this draft. McKenzie had very little to work with, but he has definitely brought in some intriguing pieces. 

At the time of writing this, the Raiders have made four selections. Here is what you can expect from those picks. 

Rd. 3, No. 32: Tony Bergstrom, G, Utah

Bergstrom spent most of his career at RT for the Utes. However, he projects to be a guard in the NFL due to the 6'5", 313-pound player's relatively short arms and small hands. 

At 25, he is also old for a rookie. Make no mistake about this pick, McKenzie was not going to spend his first pick on a 25-year-old if he didn't expect him to seriously compete for playing time. 

Expect Bergstrom to push for playing time at LG with Cooper Carlisle. The newly acquired Mike Brisiel is a lock to start at right guard. 

Carlisle should be able to hold down the starting spot initially. He is a decent lineman in the zone blocking scheme the Raiders will be using this season. However, it will be a surprise if Bergstrom is not starting by the end of the season. 

Rd. 4, No. 34: Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State

Burris is a strong and punishing linebacker. He needs to work on wrapping up, but he has a good nose for the ball, can fight off blockers and lay some lumber. 

He also steps into a linebacking corps that has struggled. However, the Raiders added Philip Wheeler in the offseason and Aaron Curry was solid when he came over in a trade last year.

He will also have to compete for playing time with Travis Goethel, who will be returning after missing last season with an injury. 

Burris will have a hard time cracking the starting lineup as a rookie. However, he will be a key player on special teams and you can expect a couple of highlight reel hits from him on kick coverage. 

Rd. 5, No. 23: Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

This is a project pick. Crawford is athletic, but raw. He grew up in London and has limited football experience. Unless there is a rash of injuries, he is unlikely to earn a starting spot. 

However, he is a virtual lock to make the roster. His potential is too great to give up on instantly, and despite his need for vastly improved technique, he still recorded 6.5 sacks as a senior. 

Crawford should see a few snaps a game as a rotational guy, and should get some good run on special teams. 

Rd. 5, No. 33: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

If anyone needed a sign that this is indeed a new era in Raiders football they got it with this pick. Criner has 4.6 speed in the 40. That would have been all Al Davis needed to know he was going to pass on him. 

Despite his lack of speed, Criner was a supremely productive college receiver. He did this with his hands and size. He is 6'3" and 220 pounds. 

This gives the Raiders a big-bodied possession receiver that their roster lacked. This provides him an excellent shot at earning some playing time in three or four wide receiver sets on third downs.