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Post FA
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stugizmo DRAFTING FOR THERaiders
Draft Selections
Draft Grade — Raiders
Overall
B-
ValueB
NeedB+
TradesB-
FutureB-
Mendoza is the Raiders' new face under center. Grade: B-. The search is over. The Raiders handed the keys to Fernando Mendoza, and the whole operation now runs on his development.
That is an edge rusher worth more than the slot they spent on him, plainly. The interior defensive lineman spot stays a question, and it was the one they most needed an answer at.
They will need Whittington to outplay his draft slot in a hurry to justify it. Job largely done: edge rusher settled and 7 of 8 of the wish list covered.
In short, they left a little better than they arrived, which is the whole idea.
Pick Analysis
Pick1
Rnd1
Fernando Mendoza
In Round 1, Pick 1 they get a passer to set the clock by. A real need, handled.
Pick36
Rnd2
Chris Brazzell II
Nothing to complain about; Chris Brazzell II went a shade earlier than his grade, which is fine. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
Pick67
Rnd3
D'Angelo Ponds
D'Angelo Ponds at the 67th pick is the steal of the weekend, a first-round talent at a bargain-bin price. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Pick102
Rnd4
Jake Golday
They will replay Jake Golday at No. 102 for years; that is how good the value is. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
Pick117
Rnd4
Michael Trigg
Nice patience on Michael Trigg, who had no business lasting to pick 117. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Pick134
Rnd4
J.C. Davis
J.C. Davis at the 134th overall pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
Pick175
Rnd5
Seth McGowan
No edge and no loss on Seth McGowan in pick No. 175; it is a wash and a sensible one. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
Pick182
Rnd6
Kaleb Elarms-Orr
A slide stopped in the Round 6 slot, with Kaleb Elarms-Orr worth more than the price. A quiet depth add at a thin-ish spot.
Pick185
Rnd6
Ted Hurst
They let Ted Hurst come to them and pounced at Round 6, Pick 4. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Pick208
Rnd6
VJ Payne
A safety of that caliber at the 208th overall pick is the definition of value, full stop. A minor need, but a need all the same.
Pick219
Rnd7
Noah Whittington
They paid a round early for Noah Whittington in the Round 7 slot, more than the board wanted. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.











