2014 NFL Draft grades: Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders were one of the teams to watch as the draft kicked off on Thursday with reports the team could be trading down for a quarterback or sticking at five and taking a wide receiver like Mike Evans. When the Raiders pick came up in the first round, they arguably took the best pure football player in the draft.

Best pick: Khalil Mack

Worst pick: Justin Ellis

Analysis: Mack falling in their laps gives the team a player who can literally do it all as a linebacker. He can rush the passer, defend against the pass, and he lives behind the line of scrimmage after tying the NCAA record for tackles for loss at Buffalo and he makes splash plays as his 16 forced fumbles are also an NCAA record. The Raiders loved Derek Carr throughout the process and with Matt Schaub on the roster can be groomed for the starter’s job in 2015. Gabe Jackson is a road-grader who can play either guard position.

Let me clarify, I don’t hate the Ellis pick. He was drafted in the range he was projected to be drafted, I just think the other high picks by Oakland were so much better that by default he was by definition the worst, but he was a solid pick who should help on first and second downs.

Ketih McGill was a nice value in the fourth round at pick No. 116 and while he carries some risk, in the fourth round the reward outweighs the risks about his durability, maturity and lack of production. His size and length gives him the ability to press receivers and gives the Raiders another young corner to develop alongside last year’s No. 1 in D.J. Hayden.

The Raiders continued adding to the secondary with Ohio corner T.J. Carrie in the seventh who is able to overcome injury concerns could be a special teams contributor. Illinois State defensive end Shelby Harris is an intriguing player from the FCS.

Grade: A