Oakland Raiders 2012 NFL Draft Review
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}3 - Tony Bergstrom, OG, Utah (6-5, 313); 4 - Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State (6-2, 246); 5 - Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State (6-5, 274); 5 - Juron Criner, WR, Arizona (6-3, 224); 6 - Christo Bilukidi, DT, Georgia State (6-4, 311); 7 - Nathan Stupar, OLB, Penn State (6-1, 241)
Top Pick Analysis: Reggie McKenzie found himself behind the eight-ball in his debut draft as the Raiders' new general manager, as the Silver and Black didn't have a pick until the bottom of the third round due to a few debatable personnel decisions by the Al Davis-led regime. He was still able to obtain a useful prospect in Bergstrom, a right tackle at Utah whose short arms and average footwork in space make him a better candidate for left guard. Burris has starting potential as well as an outside linebacker with some upside as a pass rusher, and his gung-ho mentality and hustle should be an asset to the special-teams units. Crawford is a native of England who didn't begin playing football until late in high school, but offers some intrigue as a rotational reserve.
Best Value Pick: Criner is the antithesis of a typical Al Davis receiver, as he was one of the combine's slowest wideouts, but is a good route runner with strong hands and the size to be a serviceable possession receiver in Oakland's West Coast offense.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Questionable Calls: The Raiders had serious use for an all-around tight end and a big running back that can spell the injury-prone Darren McFadden, but McKenzie instead chose to utilize some late picks on extreme project players such as Crawford and the virtually unknown Bilukidi.
Summary: McKenzie hands were greatly tied by the sins of Oakland's past, so obtaining three players that can be contributors in Bergstrom, Burris and Criner was admirable. Still, there isn't a member of this group that appears to be anything more than an average starter down the line.
DRAFT GRADE: C-