Oakland Raiders: Recapping the 2018 offseason

The 2018 Raiders draft class

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. After selecting Kolton Miller in the first round, the team turned their attention to the defensive line, grabbing P.J. Hall from Sam Houston State.

In the third round, the Raiders went offensive tackle again, taking Brandon Parker from North Carolina A&T.  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 certain to be featured in Paul Guenther’s 4-3 scheme in different packages.

In the fourth round, Nick Nelson from Wisconsin was the pick, and he is one of the better cover corners the draft class had to offer. The Raiders had two picks in the fifth round, selecting a defensive tackle with their first selection, and a punter with their second.

That fifth round had some fireworks, as the Raiders traded up to select Maurice Hurst from Michigan. Hurst was supposed to go in round one, but a heart issue was detected at the NFL Scouting Combine, and forced him to fall. With their second of two fifth rounders, the Raiders grabbed punter Johnny Townsend, who will be the starter with Marquette King punting in Denver.

Sixth round pick Azeem Victor was one of the better middle linebackers in college football when he could stay on the field, and is going to get every opportunity to make the roster. The Raiders final selection was Marcell Ateman, who has the length you need in an NFL wideout, and had a terrific career at Oklahoma State.