We continue to take a stroll down memory lane with regards to the Las Vegas Raiders’ drafts of the previous decade.
Up next, the Ramble briefly looks back at the fourth round. The fifth round produced several solid contributors. Even some players that could’ve been stars had the team been in better shape came out in that round. As for the fourth, there’s one potential superstar and a bevy of notable men that put on the Silver and Black. In addition, there was one explosive playmaker taken in the fourth that some of our younger fans might’ve not gotten a chance to witness.
With all of that said, let’s check out the Raiders’ haul from the previous decade in the fourth round of the player’s selection meeting.
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Here are the Raiders’ fourth-round draft hauls
2019: Maxx Crosby, Isaiah Johnson, Foster Moreau
2018: Nick Nelson
2017: David Sharpe
2016: Connor Cook
2015: Jon Feliciano
2014: Justin Ellis, Keith McGill
2013: Tyler Wilson
2012: Miles Burris
2011: Chimdi Chekwa
2010: Bruce Campbell, Jacoby Ford
One of the strangest patterns you’ll notice for this particular round is that the Raiders took a quarterback twice. Tyler Wilson in 2013 and Connor Cook in 2016, both signal-callers were forgettable in the grand scheme of things. Wilson never played a down of professional football for the Raiders. What’s even more frustrating is that Oakland could’ve selected five-time Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszcyk in that same round. Meanwhile, Cook has the distinct honor of being the only quarterback to start a playoff game for the Silver and Black in that decade. Actually, he’s the only signal-caller with a playoff start since Rich Gannon’s catastrophic Super Bowl XXXVII appearance.
So who stands out the most for the Raiders?
Looking at the draft haul for this round, you could argue that the best players came in at the beginning and end of the decade. Jacoby Ford was a special player, his speed and playmaking ability left many in awe, particularly the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the course of three years, Ford returned 75 kicks for 1,874 yards and four touchdowns. Also, he had back-to-back seasons from 2010-2011 where he scored a 100-plus yard kick return for a touchdown. Though listed as a wide receiver, Ford was a glimpse into the future with the ability to play over the field.
Flashing back to Jacoby Ford going supernova in the second half against the Chiefs in 2010. #FBF pic.twitter.com/XMOuKsKXW2
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 9, 2019
The 2019 class saw three players that figure to compete with the Raiders for the foreseeable future. The most notable is Maxx Crosby, general manager Mike Mayock truly had one of the biggest draft steals in recent memory. The East Michigan product broke out later in his rookie year, totaling 10 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, and four forced fumbles. With new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley now in charge and Rod Marinelli still handling defensive line duties, ’98’ could reap the benefits. It also helps that Yannick Ngakoue will command a lot of attention next year, if that’s the case, look for Crosby to truly come into his own.
What are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Who do you think merits the distinction of being the best fourth-round selection of this past decade for the Raiders?
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*Top Photo: Associated Press/Jeff Chiu