Raider NFL Draft 2010

This year Michael and I watched the draft together, and I actually enjoyed it. I loved watching it. So, I am going to do all of you a favor that missed it, and tell you all the Raiders picks. (Because those are the most important of course.) This blog us both of us talking. We had fun blogging together for a change.

Round 1: "With the 8th overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select middle linebacker Rolando McClain from Alabama."

Now, I was a little disappointed we skipped over Jimmy Clausen to get this guy but, apparently, he's worth it. He is 6'3". 254 lbs. He better be as great as his potential will allow him to be. He could be the next Patrick Willis/Ray Lewis. Basically, he is a beast.

Round 2: "With the 12th pick of round 2 in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select defensive tackle Lamarr Houston from the University of Texas."

Houston is 6'3", 305 lbs. A lot of people were surprised by the Raiders this year for their many good picks. This being one of them. Normally the Raiders get a lot of crap for the draft because they just pick random people. This year, they picked people that they needed to help them win games. These first 2 picks tell us that they are committed to stopping the run this year. Houston is great at taking blockers now but with the help of Seymore and Kelly, he can become a great all-around Defensive lineman.

Round 3: "With the 5th pick of the third round in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select offensive tackle Jared Veldheer from Hillsdale."

Veldheer is 6'8", 312 lbs. He is a small school standout so we hope he can perform in the NFL. He is the only offensive lineman to be in the top 10 at all Combine events. He could start right away because we need help on our line.

Round 4: "With the 8th pick in the 4th round in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selct offensive tackle Bruce Campbell from Maryland."

This guy is a freak! 6'6", 314 lbs. Who I consider the biggest steal of the draft behind Jimmy Clausen in the NFL draft (who went to the Panthers.) He broke the record for fastes 40 by a lineman ever at the Combine. He had first round potential. He has unlimited potential and Tom Cable is the perfect coach for him to showcase his potential. (That being said by a NFL Draft analyst). With the first 4 picks, the Raiders are showing they are committed to playing playoff football. Stopping the run, and running the football.

SHOCKER: The Raiders move up in the 4th round by trading Kirk Morrison :( to the Jacksonville Jaguars. To select Jacoby Ford a wide receiver from Clemson.

It's sad to see Kirk go, but it shows that we have lots of faith in Rolando McClain to make an impact right away. Jocoby Ford is 5'9", 186 lbs. Leave it to Al Davis to draft the fastest person in the draft. He is a slot receiver and kick returner. I'm ok with the pick because we definitely need help in our kick return game. When you kick return your fullback, it is a bad sign.

Round 5: "With the 7th pick in the 5th round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raider select Walter McFadden a defensive back from Auburn."

6'0" 175 lbs. (Needs to put on a little weight.) I like him because he shines on a big stage. In Auburn's bowl game he picked it and took it 100 yards for a touchdown. Impressive. He already has underrated cover skills and is a ball hawk. With the help from Nnamdi, he has a bright future ahead of him.

In the middle of round 5, the Raiders trade for Jason Campbell, a quarterback from the Redskins. For a 4th round pick in 2012 (which is a steal!) Because of the trade for Donovan McNabb, they were pretty much giving him away. I think he is already a top 15 quarterback in the NFL and he will bring an immediate impact to the Raider offense. And we couldn't be happier. Next step, CUT Jamarcus Russell. (Don't know if I spelled that right, and don't care either.)

Round 6: "For the 21st pick in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select Travis Goethel, a linebacker from Arizona."

He is 6'2", 240 lbs. Very athletic for his size. Brings depth to the linebackers, and can be an immediate impact on special teams.

Round 7: "For the 8th pick of the 7th round in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select Jeremy Ware, a deffensive back from Michigan State."

He is 5'10", 188 lbs. Another speed man. He ran a 4.3 40. He is going to have a hard time making a team with the Raiders' already stacked defensive backs.
With the 44th pick in the 7th round, the Oakland Raiders select Stevie Brown, a defensive back from Michigan." He is 6', 210 lbs. Good size. Brown can contribute immediately on Special times and might be able to find his way into the Raiders' secondary in a few years. He is better against the run than in coverage. It looks like we got another TyVon Branch/Mike Mitchell on our hands.

That's the end of the draft, but the Raiders were still adding talent to the team. They signed 5 undrafted free agents:
1- Andre Anderson, a running back from Tulane.
2- Brashton Satele, a middle linebacker/defensive end from Hawaii.
3- Alex Parsons, a right guard from USC.
4- Alex Daniels, defensive end from Cincinnati.
5- Manase Tonga, fullback from BYU.

In closing, the Raiders have had the best draft weekend in the last 5 years.