Two weeks from today, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will walk across the 2017 NFL Draft stage in Philadelphia, take the podium, and announce, "With the 24th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select…"
The Oakland Raiders are slated to pick 24th overall in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. Here is an exclusive look at the Raiders past picks at the 24 spot.
Raymond Chester (1970)
Raymond Chester (1970)
Raymond Chester (1970)
Neal Colzie (1975)
Neal Colzie (1975)
Neal Colzie (1975)
Bob Buczkowski (1986)
Bob Buczkowski (1986)
Bob Buczkowski (1986)
Todd Marinovich (1991)
Todd Marinovich (1991)
Todd Marinovich (1991)
It remains to be seen whose name will be called when General Manager Reggie McKenzie and Co. lock in the team's first round pick, but in years past the Silver and Black have gone a variety of directions at No. 24 overall.
Dating back to 1960, the Raiders have been slated to select with the 24th pick of the draft a total of four times. The team used those picks on tight end Raymond Chester (1970), defensive back Neal Colzie (1975), defensive end Bob Buczkowski (1986), and quarterback Todd Marinovich (1991). The Raiders enter the 2017 season with a few positions that could use some additional depth, and could utilize the pick to fill those any of those spots.
Over the past 10 years, the NFL has seen some talented players fall to the 24th slot; from safety Brandon Meriweather, to running back Chris Johnson, wide receiver Dez Bryant, and defensive end Cameron Jordan. Each player listed has been chosen for the Pro Bowl a minimum of two times, with all selections coming within their first five years in the league. In a draft that's loaded with playmakers, the Raiders could wind up with a high-caliber player of the future. Listen to any NFL draft expert and they'll tell you that the 2017 class is stacked with dynamic defensive backs and freakish athletes.
An exclusive look at the top 50 prospects leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft, according to Daniel Jeremiah.
Gerald Everett - TE, South Alabama
Ryan Anderson - OLB, Alabama
Josh Jones - S, N.C. State
Marcus Williams - S, Utah
Obi Melifonwu - S, Connecticut
Jordan Willis - DE, Kansas State
Kevin King - CB, Washington
Marlon Humphrey - CB, Alabama
Fabian Moreau - CB, UCLA
Tim Williams - LB, Alabama
Curtis Samuel - RB, Ohio State
Chidobe Awuzie - CB, Colorado
Evan Engram - TE, Ole Miss
Adoree' Jackson - CB, USC
T.J. Watt - LB, Wisconsin
Teez Tabor - CB, Florida
Cam Robinson - OT, Alabama
DeShone Kizer - QB, Notre Dame
Mitchell Trubisky - QB, North Carolina
Quincy Wilson - CB, Florida
Jabrill Peppers - S, Michigan
Jarrad Davis - LB, Florida
Budda Baker - S, Washington
Deshaun Watson - QB, Clemson
Haason Reddick - LB, Temple
Ryan Ramczyk - OT, Wisconsin
Alvin Kamara - RB, Tennessee
Taco Charlton - DE, Michigan
John Ross - WR, Washington
Garett Bolles - OT, Utah
Takkarist McKinley - DE, UCLA
Charles Harris - DE, Missouri
Gareon Conley - CB, Ohio State
Tre'Davious White - CB, LSU
Dalvin Cook - RB, Florida State
Christian McCaffrey - RB, Stanford
Forrest Lamp - G, Western Kentucky
Derek Barnett - DE, Tennessee
David Njoku - TE, Miami
Mike Williams - WR, Clemson
Corey Davis - WR, Western Michigan
Marshon Lattimore - CB, Ohio State
Reuben Foster - LB, Alabama
O.J. Howard - TE, Alabama
Jonathan Allen - DE, Alabama
Leonard Fournette - RB, LSU
Solomon Thomas - DE, Stanford
Malik Hooker - S, Ohio State
Jamal Adams - S, LSU
Myles Garrett - DE, Texas A&M
The Raiders defense ranked ninth in interceptions (16) last season, and second in forced fumbles (20). The defense's ability to force fumbles and interceptions was one of its strong suits, but there's always room for improvement. The defensive players in this draft have been labeled as ball-hawks, thumpers, and all around studs. Whether it's linebacker, cornerback, safety, or any other position, if McKenzie decides to go defensive, there should be plenty of players to choose from when the Raiders are on the clock.
The 2017 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 27 and will commence at 5:00 p.m. PT.
