Draft Analysis: Oakland Raiders
Posted: Thursday June 11, 1998 05:59 PM
Charles Woodson
1st round, 4th overall
Cornerback, Michigan
Comments: Could be the next great cornerback in the NFL.
Will also see some action on offense, and in the return game. Instant
upgrade to marginal aging secondary -- great skills. Mo Collins
1st round, 23rd overall
Tackle, Florida
Comments: Will start at left tackle if Pat Harlow has to retire because of
bad back. He has better than average feet, but gets a little sloppy at
times. Could benefit from a year of learning, but could play if needed.
Leon
Bender 2nd round, 31st overall
Defensive tackle,
Washington State
Comments: Raiders had high hopes for
tackle, who tragically was found dead in a Georgia apartment in May. Though
he suffered from epilepsy, that wasn’t confirmed as figuring in his death.
“It’s a tragic loss for all of us,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. Jon
Ritchie 3rd round, 63rd overall
Fullback, Stanford
Comments: Not really a big a reach as some think. May have
been the most versatile fullback in the draft because he catches the ball
well. Nice fit in Jon Gruden's West Coast offense. Gennaro
DiNapoli 4th round, 109th overall
Guard, Virginia
Tech
Comments: Has enough versatility to play guard and
tackle but Raiders will start him as backup at center ... the fact that he
can play all three positions will help him make this roster, especially if
last year’s rookies do not progress ... he is a tough, hard-nosed guy with
pretty good feet ... lacks great height but plays better than looks ... a
little more athletic than people may give him credit for, maybe a somewhat
underrated player that will fit in nicely. Jeremy Brigham
5th round, 127th overall
Tight end, Washington
Comments: Perennial college backup that never received much
playing time and has limited production ... outstanding athlete with size
and speed ... used more as blocker than receiver but he has speed and
athletic ability to get deep and contribute in passing game ... not a
finished product but a great developmental mid-round pick that the Raiders
may hit on. Travian Smith
5th round, 152nd overall
Linebacker, Oklahoma
Comments: Perceived to be much higher pick but lack of
instincts and production hurt him in the draft ... great measurables and
overall skills, including sub 4.50 40 speed ... he can fit as an edge pass
rusher or blitzer and he has the ability to be a sideline-to-sideline range
player ... the Raiders have tremendous needs at outside linebacker and if
they hit on Smith, it will be a great pick ... the talent is there but this
is a roll of the dice. Vince Amey
7th round, 230th overall
Defensive tackle, Arizona
State
Comments: A decent player with very little fanfare
or publicity ... good inside 1-gap type penetrator ... excellent effort and
tenacity, probably drafted because of good individual workouts in spring
... with Chester
McGlockton gone to K.C., he has decent chance to stick as backup
defensive tackle or defensive end ... not an edge guy, will fit better
inside. David Sanders
7th round, 235th overall
Defensive end, Arkansas
Comments: He is another defensive lineman who has pretty
good athletic ability and speed and can cover some ground ... not much
production in background but enough athletic ability to take a shot at ...
much like Amey, he has a chance because of his athletic ability to stick,
but both of them could be headed for practice squad unless they have a good
training camp.
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