Recent NFL draft sweet spot for Raiders is in the middle rounds. Las Vegas Raiders Blog

HENDERSON (Nev.) — We've addressed the Las Vegas Raiders“Overall” draft woes of lateOnly six of their 68 draft selections from 2012-19 were signed to second consecutive contracts, and only three of their first-round draft choices since 2005 have been extended — this is a bright spot.

As in:… A silver lining to a determinedly black cloud.

D.J. While Hayden and Gareon conley were first-round flops, Raiders have found midround gems like defensive tackle. Justin Ellis, defensive end Maxx CrosbyReceiver Hunter RenfrowCornerback Nate Hobbs.

You can call it a sweet spot.

The Raiders will not be able to select a player in this year's draft before the third round at No. 86 overall — The first- and second round picks went to Green Bay PackersReceiver Davante AdamsThe new regime of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler faces the challenge of keeping that luck (pluck) going. going.

Ziegler is right to believe this draft has quality depth.

Ziegler, at his pre-draft media conference, stated that “I believe when you find midround players that eventually develop into core contributing members for your team… there's a degree of pride in finding those guys because… there's always some of the players who have risen to one reason or the other.”

“Not all of those players work out. They don't.

Ellis was thus taken in the fourth round at No. The Raiders' GM Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen ranked Ellis 107 overall in 2014. He played five years with the Raiders. Crosby, fourth round, No. 106 in 2019, Renfrow (fifthround, No. 149 in 2019 and Hobbs (fifth rounds, No. Coach Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock selected 167 for 2021.

Ellis continues to produce after spending the last three seasons working with the Baltimore RavensBefore signing with the New York GiantsThis spring. Crosby was the defensive MVP at the most recent Pro Bowl and signed a four-year extension with the Raiders for $94 million on March 11. He had 25 sacks in three seasons and led the NFL in total pressures with 108 this past season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Renfrow could also be eligible for a new deal. He caught 103 passes from 2021, which is second to the Hall of Famer Tim Brown's 1997 total of 104. Hobbs was the highest-graded cornerback by PFF when he played in the slot last year with an 81.5 grade.

Yes, these are foundation pieces. Raiders discovered them on Day 3 of the draft.

The New England PatriotsZiegler, who was part of the Patriots' personnel team, also found success with Day 3 find during his time there. The Patriots have hired him in 2013 and found running backs since then. James White (fourth round, 2014), defensive end Trey FlowersGuard Shaq MasonGuard Ted Karras (sixth round, 2016), defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. Guard. Mike Onwenu(sixth round in 2020) and running zurück Rhamondre StevensonOn the last day of the draft, the fourth round (2021)

Ziegler said, “Always there is a chance for trade,” and again the Raiders must not trade in the first or second rounds. His regime will have to continue its success in the middle rounds.

Remember this: Ziegler echoed McDaniels’ belief that the best player is the one who drafts, regardless of his position.

“It means, if you draft three [players]McDaniels stated that they were in the same position for a second time because they are clearly the best players when it comes to draft.

The Raiders have a lot of strengths in offensive skill positions and pass-rushers. These positions will be most highly sought-after in early rounds. It is possible that quality players can still be found in the middle rounds, especially for their cornerback and offensive line positions.

Plug-and-play guys? It worked well for Ellis, Crosby and Renfrow. Remember, Ziegler also praised the depth of this draft.

Ziegler stated, “You are judged on the personnel aspect by the players you draft, how well they produce, and the types and quality of players they make for the organization.” Ziegler said that there is an element of competition when drafting players. You want every draft pick and each player signed to your team.

“Yeah, great draft. You want to be known for being a great team that drafts well, develops talent, and all that stuff. We want to be able to do whatever it takes, no matter what round that may be.