2017 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders final grade
By Brad Weiss
Eddie Vanderdoes
Defensive Tackle, UCLA
During his time with UCLA, Vanderdoes had a roller coaster of a career, battling back from injury to be a strong player for the Bruines. Vanderdoes tore his ACL two years ago, and since then, has fought to become the player he is now. He is a tremendously talented defensive lineman, who has the size and speed to play all over the line. There is no doubt he will have a solid impact on the 2017 Oakland Raiders.
David Sharpe
Offensive Tackle, Florida
You can never have too much talent at offensive tackle, and David Sharpe gives the Raiders a player who just may be a starting left tackle in the NFL one day. As of now, he has to sit and learn behind Donald Penn, who allowed only one sack on Derek Carr last season. There has been information out there that Sharpe was legally blind in his right eye, but he put those worries to rest after the Raiders took him in the fourth round.
Marquel Lee
Linebacker, Wake Forest
Most Raiders fans were waiting for the team go get a middle linebacker, and they did just that with their fifth round pick. Lee is a fine football player, who should push for a spot in the starting lineup with the Raiders. Oakland needs depth on the inside, so even if he does not win a starting job, he should certainly play a big role on the defense this season.
Shalom Luani
Safety, Washington State
While second round pick Obi Melifonwu is good at getting to the football to make plays, the second safety taken by the Raiders is good at laying out the punishment. Luani is a former World Cup soccer player for the Tonga, but he showed good skills during his time playing American Football. In his two seasons with the Cougars, Luani notched eight interceptions, while earning the reputation of being a hard hitting safety.
Jylan Ware
Offensive Tackle, Alabama State
Ware is another offensive tackle who is a mountain of a man, standing at 6-foot-8 inches tall. Not much to say about Ware other than he is a big kid with good feet, but it will take a lot for him to make the team out of training camp.
Elijah Hood
Running Back, UNC
This is a pick I really love this late in the draft, as Hood was a standout running back during his time with the Tar Heels. He adds good depth to the backfield, and his ability to get the tough yards will certainly win over his teammates. Oakland now has a good stable of running backs, led by former Pro Bowler Marshawn Lynch.
Treyvon Hester
Defensive Tackle, Toledo
Hester is a kid who has some good talent, which is why he was one of 253 people selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, he may not be able to find a spot on the 53-man roster, and could find himself on the scout team. If he does decide to stay with the Raiders, they will develop him, and he may be an NFL player down the road.
Next: NFL Draft 2017: Oakland Raiders first-round grade