We continue to take a stroll down memory lane with regards to the Las Vegas Raiders’ drafts of previous decades. Up next, we begin to look at the rookie selections of the 2000s, a time in Raiders’ lore many would rather forget.
Looking back, the Raiders drafted fairly well in the seventh round during this time. This isn’t to say that they didn’t have their fair share of forgettable picks, in fact, there were several of them. As far as the positives go, the Silver and Black landed a quarterback-turned-wide receiver that eventually rose to be a team captain.
With all that being said, let’s check out the Raiders’ haul in the seventh rounds of the NFL draft during the 2000s.
Here are the Raiders’ seventh-round draft hauls
2009: None
2008: Chaz Schilens
2007: Jonathan Holland
2006: Chris Morris, Kevin McMahan
2005: None
2004: Courtney Anderson, Andre Sommersell
2003: Siddeeq Shabazz, Ryan Hoag
2002: Ronald Curry
2001: Derek Combs, Ken-Yon Rambo
2000: Mondriel Fulcher, Clifton Black
What did the Silver and Black get right during this stretch?
Many people often overlook the seventh round as forgettable as most players don’t pan out often. During the 2010s, the Raiders were able to land some solid contributors, and during the preceding decade, this was also the case.
The most noteworthy selection has to be wide North Carolina wide receiver Ronald Curry. Originally wearing ‘1,’ ’89’ was drafted by the then-Oakland Raiders to be a quarterback. Though he came into the team as the Silver and Black descended into their darkest period, the former Tar Heel played in seven seasons for the late Al Davis, accumulating 193 receptions for 2,347 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, an Achilles tendon injury kept Curry from realizing his full potential. Nevertheless, he had three seasons where he totaled more than 600-plus receiving yards.
Tight end Courtney Anderson, who was drafted in 2004, also showed promise in his short run. In 2005, he caught 24 passes going for 303 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 12.6 yards per reception. All in all, a dismal round that had a promising talent derailed by injury. Was the sixth round nicer to the Silver and Black? Stay tuned.
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*Top Photo: Nader Khouri/Contra Costa Times
