Las Vegas Raiders: Grading every draft pick of the Jon Gruden era
By Nick Ellis
Raiders 2019 NFL Draft, Day 3
Round 4 Pick 116- Maxx Crosby- DE
- Next five picks- Anthony Nelson, Julian Love, Kahri Willis, Mitch Wishnowsky, Kendall Sheffield
Maxx Crosby is no question the best draft pick of the Gruden/Mayock era, and it really is not close. As a fourth-round pick, Crosby was likely the steal of the draft, recording 17 sacks in his first two seasons as a Raider.
Crosby has the potential to become a Pro Bowl pass rusher in the near future, and as a fourth round pick, you really cannot argue the grade that this pick will be given. He has been one of the few bright spots on the defense, and he does it without much help.
Pick Grade: A+
Round 4 Pick 129- Isaiah Johnson- CB
- Next five picks- Drue Tranquill, Wes Martin, Ugochukwu Amadi, Jarrett Stidham, Greg Gaines
The Raiders staff seems to be very high on Isaiah Johnson, and although I do not see it as much as they do and some other Raiders fans, I do believe Isaiah Johnson could make a great impact on the team and turn out to be a quality player. When you think of Isaiah Johnson, you think of the Chargers game where he won the game for the team with his pass breakup late.
Johnson is a long, lengthy corner that is going to continue to get his opportunity, and although he was far from an incredible pick, he has proved himself enough to gain the respect of his coaches and fans.
Pick Grade: C+
Round 4 Pick 137- Foster Moreau- TE
- Next five picks- Shareef Miller, Deionte Thompson, Ryquell Armstead, Zach Gentry, Ben Burr-Kirven
Foster Moreau is one of the harder picks to grade because of how little he is used. Moreau had a fantastic rookie year, coming up big on key third downs and scoring five touchdowns. Moreau had a lot of promise as the Raiders TE2, but in 2020, the Raiders gave a lot of his opportunities to Jason Witten.
Moreau was only targeted nine times last season and recorded seven receptions. If the Raiders used him the way that they should, his grade would be higher, but if Gruden continues to use him the way they did last season, it will be hard to be as excited as this pick as we were a year ago.
Pick Grade: C
Round 5 Pick 149- Hunter Renfrow- WR
- Next five picks- Kinglsey Keke, Andrew Van Ginkel, Qadree Ollison, Ross Pierschbacher, Jordan Scarlett
I’d say Hunter Renfrow is probably the second-best pick of the Gruden era, as he has been one of the team’s most consistent players in his two years with the team. When the Raiders are in a third-down situation and need someone to make a play, you know where the ball is going.
Renfrow has recorded over 600 yards in each of his two seasons with the Raiders, and probably could have a lot more if he was used more than just on third downs. Renfrow has great route running, reliable hands, and sneaky speed that allows him to bring in the YAC. This was a great pick by Mayock and Gruden, especially being in the fifth round.
Pick Grade: A
Round 7 Pick 230- Quinton Bell- DE
- Next five picks- Alize Mack, George Asafo-Adjei, Chandler Cox, Myles Gaskin, Dontavius Russell
Bell did not make the Raiders roster and has not played a regular season snap in the NFL, something that is not uncommon for a seventh round pick.
Pick Grade: F