2018 Oakland Raiders Training Camp: From A-Z
By Brad Weiss
First-year players (Rookies)
The Oakland Raiders went into the 2018 NFL Draft with 11 selections, and while they only ended up selecting nine players, all nine could make an impact in 2018. First rounder Kolton Miller is expected to fight for the starting right tackle spot, and second rounder P.J. Hall will be in the mix on the interior of the defensive line.
Brandon Parker was the Raiders first third round pick, as they selected their second offensive tackle. Arden Key was also selected in the third round, and he is going to be an elite pass rusher in this league sooner than later. In the fourth round, the Raiders selected Wisconsin cornerback Nick Nelson, who many believed was one of the best cover corners that the draft class had to offer.
The fifth round had some fireworks, as the Raiders traded up to select Maurice Hurst from Michigan. One of the more controversial selections of the draft, Hurst could prove to be quite the steal, as many thought he would be a first rounder. Also in the fifth, the Raiders selected Johnny Townsend, who is going to be the team’s punter in 2018.
Oakland’s sixth and seventh round picks are going to have to fight to make the 53-man roster, but that is usually what late rounders have to do. Sixth round pick Azeem Victor is a solid middle linebacker prospect, while seventh rounder Marcell Ateman has the size, and catching ability that could net him a ton of touchdowns at the next level.