3 Raiders Rookies Who Will Have An Impact
The first round picks in the NFL Draft are the one's who will be talked about the most. They will have the highest expectations and make the most money.
But in a lot of cases, it's the later round picks who build the foundation of a good football team.
The Oakland Raiders made one selection in each of the seven rounds with four of those players on defense.
Karl Joseph, the safety from West Virginia, was the first round pick for the Raiders. He will more than likely start for the Silver and Black, but he may not be the only draft pick to have an impact on the team during the upcoming season.
Here are three other Raiders' draft picks who could see the field in 2016:
1. Shilique Calhoun - Linebacker/Defensive End - Michigan State
The third round pick for the Raiders is known to be a good pass rusher. With the way Oakland plays Khalil Mack and the signing of Bruce Irvin, the team is making it clear they want to get after the quarterback.
Calhoun primarily played defensive end at Michigan State where he was named an All-American in three straight years.
The Raiders are expected to use Calhoun in a similar way to Mack, switching between outside linebacker and defensive end.
Barring any injuries, Calhoun won't be a starter, but he will be a solid back up behind Mack and Irvin.
2. DeAndre Washington - Running Back - Texas Tech
The Raiders needed depth at running back after not making any splashes in free agency.
Washington, the Raiders' fifth round pick, will come in to Oakland as a dual threat in the back field. At Texas Tech last season, the running back gained almost 1,500 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground and about 300 yards with two touchdowns through the air.
Washington is a small running back at just 5-foot-8, but has a non-stop motor and plays bigger than his size.
He will come in to the season as Latavius Murray's back up and third down option. Washington should also get some time as a kick returner.
3. Vadal Alexander - Guard - LSU
Players who go in the seventh round are typically the ones who have potential, but it's a long-shot that they will actually live up to it.
That's the exact way to describe Alexander. He is a massive human being at 6-foot-5 and 326 pounds.
He's going to need a lot of work with the offensive line coaches, but he isn't expected to have a big role with the team anyways.
The reason why Alexander is number three on this list is simply because of his size. If a man that large can learn how to play the line correctly, he can be a huge weapon down the road.
Is it likely to happen? Probably not, but that's why he's a seventh rounder.