Raiders 2012 Draft Review

3^rd round, 95^th pick overall: Tony Bergstrom, OG/T, Utah

New GM Reggie McKenzie’s first pick is a brute. Tony Bergstrom is a 6’6”, 315 lbs. three-year starter at right tackle for the Utes. A First-team all-Pac-12 selection, Bergstrom is already well-versed in the zone blocking system. He’s a tough, lengthy player who could start effectively in a year or two.  He’ll likely push Cooper Carlisle for the left guard spot this year, but is probably best served as a depth option for the 2012-13 season. As a Ute, Bergstrom completed his blocks at an 85% success rate, which was the highest on the team.

4^th round, 129^th pick overall: Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State

Burris is a lengthy, versatile linebacker coming out of the Mountain West Conference. He’s good-sized (6’2”, 246 lbs.), athletic (4.67 40-time), and strong (31 bench press reps). He’s a back-to-back first-team all-MWC selection (fellow Aztec alum Kirk Morrison was the last SDSU linebacker to do this) who’s described as being relentless and always around the ball. He played outside linebacker in the Aztec’s unique 3-3-5, but was moved around the field. I expect him to push Philip Wheeler at the SAM while providing vital depth both outside and inside.

5^th round, 158^th pick overall: Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

At 6’5”, 273 lbs. Jack Crawford looks the part of an NFL defensive end. He is, however, a raw prospect at this point – he’s only been playing football for just over five years but did start for Penn State the last three. Crawford gives the Raiders a much-needed pass rusher. He’s athletic and big, and has the frame to add bulk. Crawford is another project pick who probably won’t contribute for a year or two, but for now, he gives Oakland some much needed depth on the defensive front.

5^th round, 168^th pick overall: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

Juron Criner was a luxury pick. What’s more, he is a true sign of the changing of the guard occurring in Oakland. With a 4.68 40-yard time, Al Davis never would’ve drafted Juron Criner. Reggie McKenzie, however, did not let combine numbers alone dictate his evaluation of at least this prospect. Criner is the big receiver (6’2”, 224 lbs.) the Raiders need. He’s got soft hands and is a big red-zone target (22 TDs in the last two years). The other receivers on the roster can stretch the field; Criner gives Carson Palmer a receiver who can go up and fight for jump balls. He was a bargain, too, as most draft sites had him going in the second or third round.

6^th round, 189^th pick overall: Christo Bilukidi, DT, Georgia State

Bilukidi is another intriguing yet raw prospect. He’s big (6’4”, 311 lbs.) and fast (5.05 40-yard dash time). Bilukidi started 10 of 11 games for the new-to-Division I Panthers, where he had 38 tackles, 9 for a loss, and 5 sacks.

7^th round, 230^th pick overall: Nate Stupar, OLB, Penn State

Nate Stupar was going to be high on teams’ undrafted free agents lists, so the Raiders made a good move snagging him in the last round. Stupar is an instinctive, intense backer with limited top-end speed. He will be a special teams contributor and offers more depth at linebacker.