Oakland Raiders: One Year Later, Grading The 2016 Draft Class

DeAndre Washington

In the fifth round, the Raiders went running back, and drafted DeAndre Washington out of Texas Tech.

Washington was brought in to be a change of pace back to complement Latavius Murray. Although DeAndre started the season as the backup to Murray, he was eventually leap-frogged by fellow rookie undrafted free agent Jalen Richard. Washington was listed as a healthy scratch for two games out of the season.

But to his credit, Washington was ready when called upon. Late in the season, Washington had the freshest legs out of all the running backs, and his workload was increased down the stretch.

In Week 16 against the Colts, Washington had a career day. He carried the ball 12 times for 99 yards, and picked up the first two touchdowns of his young career.

For the season, he finished with 87 carries for 467 yards, good for a 5.4 yards per carry average, 2 touchdowns, and he also hauled in 17 receptions for 115 yards.

Washington proved that he should never be a healthy scratch for any game moving forward. His game-changing speed and receiving abilities are something that will be needed in 2017 and beyond.

Grade: B

Cory James

With the 194th overall pick, the Raiders would select linebacker Cory James, linebacker out of Colorado.

A relatively unknown name, the plan for James was to be used as a backup to Ben Heeney, and was going to find the bulk of his work as a special teams player.

After poor play from Heeney and a subsequent injury to end his season, James was plugged into the starting lineup. He provided an instant spark on defense in his first career start against the Baltimore Ravens, leading the time with an impressive 15 tackles.

However, James’ production would tail off after a few solid games. The Raiders brought in Perry Riley Jr. to play on the insider, and he would take over as the full-time starter for the rest of the year. James went back to his original role as a special teamer, and only came in for defensive series’ for substitution purposes.

On the season, James finished with 48 total tackles and 1 forced fumble.

James showed he could at least become someone who can be a serviceable backup, and based on his first few games, a quality starter. Another offseason under his belt will only help his cause.

Grade: C+

 Vadal Alexander

With the last selection for the Raiders, with the 234th pick, they selected offensive lineman Vadal Alexander out of LSU.

Usually seventh round draft picks are not supposed to be exciting — especially offensive lineman. But in this case, McKenzie may have found himself another late-round gem.

Although Alexander was primarily a backup, mostly due to the Raiders having arguably a top-two offensive line, whenever he was called upon, he filled in admirably.

This is most notably true in the Thursday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Alexander filled in for All-Pro Kelechi Osemele, who missed the game. Vadal was fantastic against a tough defense, as he did not allow a single pressure and helped pave the way for an effective ground game that rushed over 130 total yards.

Whether Alexander is used as a depth piece to backup Gabe Jackson or Osemele, or whether he eventually becomes a starter, Alexander proved something his rookie season, and seems to be a player who can be a part of the Raiders’ plans moving forward.

Grade: B-