Analyzing the Raiders Draft

After the Raiders selected Darrius Heyward-Bey seventh overall, their next pick was 40th overall, but they traded seven spots down to grab an additional fourth round pick and sixth round pick, including the Patriots second round pick 47th overall.

The Raiders stayed with speed and character here as they took Mike Mitchell from Ohio (who happens to run a sub par 4.3). Unsurprisingly, ESPN's Mel Kiper and NFL Network's Mike Mayock uttered "reach" since both of them had him as a seventh round draft pick or undrafted free agent on their boards.

The Raiders took him at number 47 because he's fast, hits hard, and the Bears were looking to grab him two slots later with pick 49. On the second day of the draft, both draft guru's apologized saying it wasn't a huge reach since the Bears were high on him too, but still thought it was early for him to go since there were better safeties available.

When asked about Mitchell, Tom Cable went so far as to say that he reminds him of Ronnie Lott and Jack Tatum, who Mitchell just so happens to model his game after. Mitchell has been a leader for the Ohio defense for the past four years, posting sixty-two total tackles with two forced fumbles and three interceptions in 2008.

Going on to the third round on day two of the NFL Draft, the Raiders chose Matt Shaughnessy with the 71st pick in the draft. A defensive end from Wisconsin, he may have to bulk up a bit to be an every down end, but he's versatile enough to play at both right or left end as he definitely has a huge motor.

He became a starter his sophomore season at Wisconsin, and had to overcome two injuries from his knee to his broken leg. He is a really good character guy, earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2007. He will look to contribute early with his motor, and possibly start.

The Raiders took Florida receiver Louis Murphy with their first of two fourth round picks at 124 (4.4 speed, and was "too good to pass up" said Tom Cable) overall. Murphy has good speed and hands, and has averaged six and a half touchdowns a year the past two years at Florida.

Murphy is another potential deep threat down field for JaMarcus Russell, and is also another good character guy.  He was one of the offensive leaders for the Gators, but was overshadowed by Percy Harvin.

With their second fourth round selection, the Raiders took defensive end/outside-linebacker Slade Norris from Oregon Sate with the 126th pick in the draft. He is primarily a speed rusher, and has experience playing defensive end and outside-linebacker.

Norris had 18.5 tackles for loss during his senior year with 10 sacks. Listed below 240 pounds, he will need to add some bulk if he looks to contribute apart from special teams to get adequate playing time on defense.

The Raiders then had to wait til the sixth round to make their next pick at 199, where they took defensive end Stryker Sulak from Missouri. He notched 29 solo stops and 10 sacks last year, so the thinking here is the Raiders are doing all they can to improve that pass rush.

With the Raiders last pick, they traded up from the seventh round with the Panthers into the sixth round. The Panthers received the Raiders seventh round pick, and next years sixth round pick.

With the Raiders final selection they chose tight end Brandon Meyers out of Iowa. Cable has been talking about "marrying" Zach Miller with another blocking tight end to free him up some more. The Raiders got an asset here in the running and passing game here.

Overall, I give the Raiders a C grade for the draft. They didn't draft an offensive tackle or defensive tackle, which could be troublesome down the road if Terdel Sands doesn't produce and Cornel Green ends up starting again.

They emerged with two down field threats for Jamarcus, and a few speed rushers off the edge. They think that will be enough to get them to the playoffs. We shall see.