The Oakland Raiders 2010 NCAA Draft Recap

The Oakland Raiders had a great draft weekend. Prior to the draft the Raiders added former second round pick Quentin Groves, a linebacker from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fifth round pick. Then right after the draft was completed the Oakland Raiders acquired their starting quarterback Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins for a fourth round pick in 2012. Oakland selected two linebackers, a defensive tackle, two offensive tackles, a wide receiver, two cornerbacks and a safety. Five of the Raiders have a decent chance at competing for starting positions this upcoming season and even better chances of significant playing time.

Rolando McClain

Rolando McClain is the 6'4 249lb junior middle linebacker out of Alabama. Scout.com considers McClain a five star prospect, the 15^th best prospect in the 2010 NFL draft, and the top middle linebacker in the draft. Rolando McClain was also part of the Crimson Tide team which won the National Championship this past season. Rolando is a solid first round pick.

Lamarr Houston

In the second round the Oakland Raiders stayed with defense selecting Texas defensive tackle Lamarr Houston. Scout.com lists the 6'3 305lb Houston as a four star prospect, the 9^th best defensive tackle in the draft, and the 88^th best prospect in the draft. A solid player who may have been taken a round two early, however Houston is a player who will be able to contribute right away for the Raiders.

Jared Veldheer

Next the Raiders decided to work on the offensive line by selecting Jared Veldheer. The tackle has great size being 6'8 and 312lbs. Scout.com lists Veldheer as a four star prospect, the 68^th best prospect in the draft, the 8^th best tackle prospect in the draft, and the best player to come out of Hillsdale College. Jared was a solid selection with the 69^th pick.

Bruce Campbell

The Raiders selected another tackle in the forth round selecting Bruce Campbell. Scout.com lists Campbell as a five-star prospect, the number four offensive tackle, and

The 22^nd best prospect overall in the 2010 NFL draft. A workout monster, who has the size and tools Campbell needs top develop the skills. More about Bruce Campbell can be found here. Bruce Campbell was a great value pick with the 106^th pick.

Jacoby Ford

Oakland had an additional fourth round pick and chose to select a speedy wide receiver in Jacoby Ford. Scout.com has the Clemson tiger standout ranked as a four star prospect, the 83^rd best prospect in the 2010 NFL draft, and the 12th best receiver in the draft. Fox Sports states "with Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bay already in the receiving corps, the Raiders will have the fastest wideouts in the NFL." Ford is another value pick with the 108^th selection.

The Projects:

Walter McFadden

College Football News states the 5'11 172lb cornerback out of Auburn is "a safe late pick." CFN like the Raiders believe Walter "has great upside." According to College Football News "he'll get time to develop as a nickel and backup defender in the great Raider secondary." McFadden may also be able to contribute on special teams time will tell.

Travis Goethel

Scout.com lists the 6'3 237lb Arizona State middle linebacker as a two star prospect, the 323^rd best middle linebacker in the draft, and the 426^th best prospect in the draft. Obviously the Oakland Raiders thought more of Travis Goethel and selected him with the 190^th selection in the draft. Goethel will have to develop and will have to contribute on special teams to stick around.

Jeremy Ware

Fox Sports states he was selected "mainly because he has terrific speed." The Michigan State cornerback will be a definite long shot to make the team.

Steve Brown

Steve Brown is the 6' 215lb safety out of Michigan. Scout.com lists Brown as the 42^nd best safety in the draft and a two star prospect. Again Brown will be a long shot to make the team.

Conclusion:

The Oakland Raiders found their solution to their starting quarterback by acquiring Jason Campbell from the Redskins. The Raiders got Campbell for a steal. In the draft Oakland was able to select two quality tackles to help protect Jason Campbell. The Raiders were also able to add another fast wide receiver to the mix. The Raiders should improve greatly on offense after the draft. On defense the addition of first round pick Rolando McClain and acquiring Quentin Groves solidifies the Raiders linebacker crew. Oakland was also able to add a quality defensive tackle in Lamarr Houston. The Raiders were also able to add some depth and competion to the secondary to keep them on their toes.

Sources:

Scout.com

Fox Sports

College Football News