Oakland Raiders: 3 Studs and 3 Duds from the Senior Bowl

Studs

Terry McLaurin – Wide Reciever, Ohio State

Multiple receivers increased their stock throughout last week, but I don’t think anyone expected Terry McLaurin to dominate the way he did. As an Ohio State fan, it was not too surprising to see him have a positive week, but I’d be lying if I said this performance coming. McLaurin showed elite vertical speed which was evident while at OSU, but his ability to beat press coverage and show diversity in his route running seemed to impress everyone at practice.

He also dominated as a gunner in special teams drills so that will only increase a team’s desire to have him on their roster. McLaurin went from relatively unknown to a possible day 2 pick, and if he runs well at the combine, he could solidify his draft stock.

He seems like a player that checks every box of what it takes to be a Gruden grinder and keep an eye on McLaurin throughout the draft process.

Dalton Risner – Tackle, Kansas State

All I kept hearing about Dalton Risner before the senior bowl week was his lack of ideal measurables. Yet all I saw was him beating any edge rusher they put in front of him, including Montez Sweat. People have talked about moving him inside to play guard, but he played right tackle all week, so perhaps that’s where NFL teams do actually see him playing.

Regardless, he showed he deserves first-round consideration as he put to rest some of the concerns float around about him.

Nasir Adderly – Safety, Delaware

I heard about Nasir Adderly a month ago, but it is hard to find clips of Delaware Football, so I was eager to see him in Mobile. The practices aren’t really made to highlight free safeties which is probably what he’ll play in the NFL. But what Adderly did show was the ability to make plays on the ball and cover tight ends, which has haunted the Raiders for years now. He even had an interception off Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson in the game on Saturday.

However, I will acknowledge that his man coverage skills in the slot were up and down. But, if someone is planning on playing him in that way they probably misevaluated what he is good at.

Adderly is a great athlete who likes to play physical, and he could fill a massive need for the Raiders on the back end. Gruden and company got a first-hand look at him all week, so I hope they saw what many others have in Adderly.