Oakland Raiders 2015 NFL Draft Grades

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) catches a touchdown pass defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Jay Hughes (3) in the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 draft was a make or break moment for the future of the Raiders. General Manager Reggie McKenzie was under fire after another dismal season despite having presided over what I think will end up being one of the most sucessful draft’s in team history.

I will say that things looked bleak. Things seemed to get worse when Jim Harbaugh was released by the rival Niners and everyone assumed the Raiders would be the team to land the coveted coach.Fans were bitterly disappointed when the Raiders lost out to Michigan. Enter Jack Del Rio an experienced coach and a life long Raider fan. The Raiders had their new head coach. After missing out on Harbaugh they had pulled a rabbit out of the hat and made magic.

The Raiders led by Del Rio went on to snatch talented coaches like Ken Norton Jr. and Mike Tice to help rebuild this team. As the draft approached many thought that with a defensive minded head coach the Raiders would once again address their defense in the first round. That didn’t happen as the team picked Amari Cooper before addressing the defense plenty in the later rounds of the draft.

Here is a recap of the 2015 NFL Draft and grades for each pick Oakland made in Chicago.