NFL Draft: Who Will Fall To The Raiders On Day Two?

Over the past few seasons, the Raiders have drafted very well on the second day.  Last year, we drafted DE Trevor Scott in the sixth round. The 6'5" 256 lbs DE had five sacks, which led all rookies. 

A rookie class that had high profile players like Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey, Vernon Gholston, and Sedrick Ellis.  LBs Jerod Mayo & Keith Rivers, and DE Derrick Harvey were all also drafted in the top 10.

We also drafted WR Chaz Schilens in the seventh round of the '08 draft. He has everything it takes to become an elite WR. The 6'4" 225lbs WR ran a 4.38 40 and has a 43" vertical. He didn't WOW anybody with his overall stats but finished his rookie season strong with a TD catch in each of the last two games. 

He only caught 15 passes but made the most of them with nine first downs, a 19-yd rec, two 24-yd recs, and a 60-yd rec.  He is also an excellent run blocking WR. 

Tyvon Branch was drafted in the fourth round of last season. A hand injury limited his playing time but he should see the field this season with the release of Gibril Wilson.  Branch caught Al Davis' eye with a 4.31 40 time and 19 reps of 225 lbs.

He also loves contact.

RB Michael Bush fell to the second day in '07 because of a leg injury but Al Davis didn't hesitate to take him in the fourth round knowing that his leg wouldn't be 100 percent for another year. 

He was buried on the depth chart by Fargas and McFadden but stepped up when called upon. Against KC he had 90 yards on 16 carries and a 32 yard TD. In the season finale he had to carry the load and didn't disappoint with 177 yards and two TDS including a 67-yard rumble. 

We got Jay Richardson on the second day in '07. The 6'6" 280lbs DE has played in every game since being drafted with 22 starts. He has 86 career tackles, four sacks, and a safety. 

I did a little digging and here goes a few second day prospects that Al Davis might be looking at heading into the 2009 NFL Draft.

We need a Safety after the release of Gibril Wilson. 

Clemson FS Chris Clemons had 323 tackles, 20 PD, and five INTs in his three seasons starting for the Tigers. He ran a 4.41 at the combine and that alone is enough to get Al's attention. Projection: fourth-seventh round

Another Safety is David Bruton from Notre Dame. He has the big frame, 6'2" 219 lbs, and the speed, 4.46 sec 40, to become a play-maker in the NFL.  He had 176 tackles and 7 INTs over the last two seasons. 

He was a "Top Performer" in five workouts at the combine according to NFL.com.  Projection: early fourth round

We also need a WR. A lot of people want Crabtree or Maclin but the No. 7 overall pick should be used on DT BJ Raji or the best OT available. If we pass on WRs the first day don't panic. Remember, we got Chaz Schilens in the seventh round. 

WR Mike Wallace from Missippi ran a blazing 4.33 sec 40 at the combine and had a 40" vertical. He averaged 18.9 and 20.1 yards per catch in his last two seasons. Projection: sixth-seventh round  

WR Johnny Knox caught a lot of attention at the combine.  His official 40 time was 4.34 sec but a lot of scouts had him at 4.28 and 4.29 on their stop watches. Entering the combine he was projected as an undrafted FA but his 40 time pretty much ensures that a team will use a pick on him. Projection: third-fifth round

We could also use a LB that knows how to tackle.

Gerald McRath was the second fastest LB at the combine behind Aaron Curry. McRath had 386 tackles, 33 TFL, and eight sacks in his three-year career at So Miss. His size, 6'2" 231 lbs, might be what causes him to slip to day tow. Projection: third-fifth round

A DE would be a smart choice with Derrick Burgess' injury problems and the release of Kalimba Edwards.

DE Lawrence Sidbury Jr. from Richmond had a solid college career. He finished his '08 campaign with 11.5 sacks. The 6'2" 266 pounder came up big in the CAA National Championship with four sacks.

He'd be an excellent situational pass rusher and would do a better job than Edwards in that role. At the combine he was a "top performer' in four workouts according to NFL.com. Projection: Fourth round 

DE David Veikune would be another solid second day choice. He stood out at the combine with 35 reps of 225lbs and was amongst the fastest D lineman with a 4.8 sec 40. 

At 6'3" 265 lbs he'd be a great third-down pass rusher. He had 73 tackles, 16.5 in the backfield, nine sacks, and four forced fumbles last season with Hawaii.

I didn't mention any second day DTs because I am hoping for BJ Raji in the first round or Ron Brace in the second round. Either one would be an upgrade over Sands and Warren. 

Well there you have it, Raider Nation.  Just thought I'd do something a little different since all the other draft articles mainly focus on day one.  Hope you enjoy.

RAIDERS4LIFE!!!!!!!