Oakland Raiders 2010 NFL Draft Summary

By Zach Mentz

As a dedicated Oakland Raiders fan since age 10 (only eight years ago), the NFL Draft has never been 'fun' to watch growing up.

In 2003, it was Tyler Brayton. In 2004, it was Robert Gallery. In 2005, it was Fabian Washington. In 2006, it was Michael Huff. In 2007, it was Jamarcus Russel. In 2009, Darrius Heyward-Bey.

What two things do all of these names have in common? First off, they are all former first round draft selections by the Oakland Raiders. Secondly, none of them ever reached their potential in the NFL.

The Oakland Raiders are notorious for making AWFUL choices when it comes to the NFL Draft. So when the 2010 NFL Draft began on Thursday night, I was worried to say the least. My only question was, "Who is Oakland going to waste their picks on this year?"

Well, dare I say it, I was actually pleasantly surprised by the Raiders draft selections. Rolando McClain at #8 overall was a bit of a reach as it is rare that inside linebackers go that high, but McClain is a hell of a talent. We only reached by about 5-7 picks, rather than the usual 3 rounds too soon (Heyward-Bey).

McClain is not known for his speed, but he makes up for his lack of speed with his inital instincts, allowing him to cover more ground and make more plays. I originally wasn't pleased with Oakland selecting McClain just because I was hoping they would take Clausen instead. After I settled down and thought about it, I realize I am actually pretty pleased with this pick.

The selections of DT Lamarr Houston from Texas is a solid selection as well. Again, the Raiders passed on Clausen here, but it is obvious that Oakland is focused on shoring up the defense and stopping opponents on the ground. McClain and Houston are nice building blocks and should help improve a defense that was 29th against the run last season.

With the 69th overall pick, Oakland selected OT Edwin Veldheer from the lesser known Hillsdale College (Division II). Veldheer is an athletic freak, so this seems like a typical Al Davis selection. Veldheer is a 6'8, 312 pound animal who runs a 5.05 forty yard dash. There are concerns about Veldheer because he certainly did not play against top flight competition at the Division II level, but he has a ton of potential.

In the fourth round, Al Davis made another typical selection by drafting OT Bruce Campbell from Maryland. There were rumors before the draft that Oakland would select Campbell with the 8th overall pick, but instead, Oakland DIDN'T reach for him, and ended up getting the best player available in the fourth round. There is no doubt that Campbell has a ton of pro potential, so he is definitely worth a fourth round draft pick, especially if he can develop into an elite NFL tackle.

Other draft picks of note for Oakland: WR Jacoby Ford out of Clemson is basically just a repeat of Johnnie Lee Higgins, a current Raiders receiver. Has great speed but has inconsistent hands and while he runs great straight away, he has trouble changing directions. Oakland spent its last four picks in the draft on all defensive players. CB Walter McFadden from Auburn, ILB Travis Goethel from Arizona State, CB Jeremy Ware from Michigan State and S Stevie Brown from Michigan. Its obvious Oakland is trying to shore up its rather porous defense, and with the addition of two cornerbacks and a safety via the draft, this could imply that Oakland plans on trading Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Usually after I watch Oaklands draft selections, I have nightmares that night. However, this year I was actually pleased with how the Raiders fared. Oakland addressed their obvious issues on defense by spending six total picks on defense, including stud Roland McClain, who I am liking more and more every day. They also brought in two offensive tackles to protect the newly acquired Jason Campbell, who may actually succeed behind a decent offensive line, something he did not have in Washington. I do wish Oakland addressed the need for a franchise quarterback in the draft thought and did not pass on Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy in the second round.

Oakland Raiders 2010 NFL Draft Grade: B+