Raiders’ best and worst from 2018
The best of Gruden’s first draft class is offensive tackle Kolton Miller and it’s not even close given how good he’s turned out. He received a prestigious grade of ‘A’ for his exploits. A slow start surely worried fans and had some questioning the selection to the point they’d wish Derwin James had been the pick. Nevertheless, he’s improved dramatically each of the last three years and earned a long-term commitment from the Raiders this offseason.
The worst grades went to linebacker Azeem Victor and cornerback Nick Nelson. Hill gave Victor an ‘F’ and Nelson received a ‘D’ grade for his efforts so in his career. Victor, a sixth-round selection, has yet to play a down in the NFL. Though he’s spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their practice squads. Nelson, a fourth-round pick, has played 12 NFL games which includes three starts for the Raiders. He has one pass defensed and a fumble recovery to his name though he didn’t play last year.
An honorable mention for this year’s class has to be Brandon Parker, the third-round selection so far has impressed. He’s proven to reliable as a right tackle and as Hill points out, he figures to be in the mix for the starting right tackle gig next season. Considering the current state of the Raiders’ offensive line, it’s safe to say that the team drafted well for its future with Miller and Parker.
[tps_title]What about 2019’s draft?[/tps_title]