10 Players the Raiders Should Look to Day Three of the Draft
On day two of the draft, the Raiders made strides towards Hue Jacksons goal of creating a bully.
First they picked up the second ranked center in the draft, who also has a legendary Raider bloodline, in Stefan Wiesnewski.
In the middle of the third they would appease Al Davis's need for speed by taking DeMarcus Van Dyke, the fastest player in the draft who ran a blazing 4.25 40-yard dash at the combine. He will compete for a starting spot at corner, and likely improve the Raiders field position by adding a spark on special teams.
But before the day was over the Raiders would have one more trick up their sleeves, trading a 2012 2nd round pick and thus picking up an extra 3rd and 4th rounder.
With that 3rd round pick they were able to pick up a mauler of an offensive linemen in Joseph Barksdale. Barksdale was a four year starter at LSU, where he played three seasons at right-tackle and then switched to the left side his senior year. He reportedly lacks the athleticism to play left tackle in the NFL, and projects as a right tackle or guard.
With the excitement of day two gone, what do the Raiders have in store for us on day three?
Here's a look at some players I think the Raiders should look at on day three.
Virgil Green
1 of 10
What happens when you pair at 6'4,'' 252 pound frame with a 42.5 inch vertical jump and 4.5 speed?
Answer: You get the ideal Raider tight-end.
Hue Jackson wants to create a bully on offense. One way he's done that throughout his career is with two and even three tight-end sets.
If the Raiders want to create a bully, one way to do that is by pairing a quality tight-end with Zack Miller.
Though Green shows a lot of effort his blocking is lacking, mainly due to technique. Despite that though, he is the most athletic tight-end available.
Taiwan Jones
2 of 10
So you think Al Davis's thirst for speed was quenched simply by drafting the fastest player in the draft?
Well think again!
At his pro-day scouts clocked Taiwan Jones between 4.25 and 4.28; some clocked him just as fast as new Raiders corner Marcus Van Dyke.
So what if the Raiders don't need another running back, this guy is fast.
Marcus Cannon
3 of 10
Marcus Cannon is the biggest, baddest offensive linemen in the draft.
Unfortunately he has been diagnosed with a treatable cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
He has over a 90% chance of beating his cancer and has already started treatment.
Teams have been weary to draft him because he may miss his entire rookie season, but that didn't stop the Raiders from drafting Michael Bush.
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Mario Fannin
4 of 10
Another running back you ask, why?
Why not?
At 5'10,'' 231lbs Mario Fannins' speed is nothing short of spectacular. He has great straight line speed, running the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. And Believe it or not, he excels in short yardage and goal line situations.
He has a few draw-backs though; he lacks lateral agility and has issues with ball security.
Luke Stocker
5 of 10
Though not the fastest tight-end running a 4.79, Luke Stocker is a safer pick than Virgil Green.
Stocker is a smart player and has great, reliable hands. He is a great red-zone target and excels at settling down and finding holes in zone coverage.
However, this guy isn't necessarily a pass catching tight end. He excels as a blocker both in the run and passing game. Luke Stocker could be a pivotal piece in creating a bully of an offense.
Clint Boling
6 of 10
Though he can't play left tackle, he is the best offensive linemen available in the draft.
His pass protection is great and his running blocking is up to par, though sloppy.
He could add solid depth, and if coached up he could be a future starter.
Daniel Ziemba
7 of 10
Another Mauler who is, by many accounts, capable of being a starting right tackle or guard in the NFL.
He shows great strength, mobility, and a mean streak, in college he performed playing against top talent teams.
He would add quality depth to the Raiders o-line, and would have an outside chance of becoming a day one starter.
Tyrod Taylor
8 of 10
Some people may still like Ricky Stanzi, but in my opinion he is one of the most boring QB in this years draft.
Sure Taylor may not be the next Michael Vick, as doesn't have the arm, but he can still bring a little extra spark and an extra dimension to an offense.
I'm not suggesting the Raiders should make him the future of the franchise, but maybe a gimmick type player or even a receiver.
It's always nice to have some versatility on offense.
Mana Silva
9 of 10
Mana Silva is a little known prospect out of Hawaii, who recently caught the Raiders eyes, prompting them to invite him to a private workout.
Silva is expected to go undrafted but may be worth one of the Raiders 7th round picks.
The kid is a ball hawk, recording 24 interceptions in the past two seasons, and recently ran a 4.42 at his pro-day.
Casey Matthews
10 of 10
This kid may be under-sized, but he has football in his blood.
Many are surprised that he is still available.
He has a football pedigree that rivals new Raider center Stefan Wisniewski, but his 6'1,'' 230 pound frame has caused teams to shy away from him.
He has great intelligence, agility and discipline, and though he works great in space he struggles at times against the pass.
Though Casey lacks the physical gifts of his brother he has the same heart, determination and work ethic, and would be a steal at this point in the draft.
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