A better first impression couldn’t have been asked Friday of the Raiders’ first-round picks.
Michael Gehlken
Reporter: Raiders
Email: mgehlken@reviewjournal.com
X: @GehlkenNFL
Michael Gehlken joined the Review-Journal in April 2017 following the Raiders’ approved relocation to Las Vegas. He previously covered the Chargers for seven seasons, including five for the San Diego Union-Tribune. He produces breaking news, features and other coverage on Nevada’s future NFL team from Oakland as a Bay Area resident.
The Raiders traded back twice Saturday before selecting their second ex-Clemson Tiger, choosing cornerback Trayvon Mullen in the second round.
Talent and character. The Raiders sought this combination, general manager Mike Mayock said Thursday evening, when approaching a signature draft in which the franchise owned eight picks, including an NFL-high three in the first round.
The Raiders completed an active first round Thursday evening by selecting former Mississippi State safety Johnathan Abram with the No. 27 overall selection.
The Raiders have a new starting running back, drafting Alabama’s Josh Jacobs on Thursday evening with the No. 24 overall pick.
The Raiders opened arguably the most significant draft in franchise history with a pass rusher Thursday.
Months of rumors, reports, mock drafts and quarterback workouts have not altered expectation as to how the Raiders will approach their No. 4 overall pick Thursday during the NFL draft.
An NFL draft the Raiders devoted months preparing for and consider a potential franchise turning point is here. If all goes to plan, it will produce multiple Las Vegas household names.
The Sharks’ rally from a three-goal deficit sparked a dramatic finish to Game 7 of this Western Conference quarterfinal series.
The Raiders are expected to select a front-seven defender with pass rush ability if they stay at the No. 4 overall pick.
Good habits seldom are learned easily. At age 12, Cody Barton formed his.
Alabama’s Quinnen Williams and Houston’s Ed Oliver are among the defensive tackles who could be available with the Raiders’ No. 4 overall pick and both represent an opportunity to upgrade an interior rush that is still very much in development.
As the NFL draft approaches, the defense could use better play from its secondary. But spending an early draft pick or two on a defensive back is unlikely the solution.
It was one comment in a hotel lobby. Maybe it foreshadows the future. Maybe not.
The Raiders’ situation at tight end resembles where they stand at running back. Depth is not the issue.
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