Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) avoids Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) who is blocked by tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) but eventually gets sacked in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Draft Class
The 2014 draft class is one of the best draft classes the Raiders have had in a long time and watching them grow is fun. The defense has a ways to go but will get there with 1st-round outside linebacker Khalil Mack and 4th-round nose tackle Justin Ellis. Both are great against the run but need help to stop the run as a team and get more pressures and sacks on quarterbacks.
Mack doesn’t have any sacks yet but he will once someone else from that defensive front steps up but he’s getting pressures. T.J. Carrie, a 7th-round corner will turn those pressures interceptions as opposing quarterbacks had a rating of 54.7 throwing his way going into Week 7. I underestimated Carrie, who looks like he’s turning into a lock-down corner and already a good return-man.
The future of the offense is now in good hands too as 2nd-round quarterback Derek Carr is the best in the 2014 class. And 3rd-round pick Gabe Jackson is a big-time road-grader of a guard and does his part so far to keep Carr clean too. Jackson’s protection is a big part of why Carr was able to throw an NFL record 8 touchdown passes in his first five games.