After nine picks, over the course of three days, the Oakland Raiders have put the finishing touches on their 2019 Draft Class.
General Manager Mike Mayock and Head Coach Jon Gruden selected six players on defense, and three on offense, and by the looks of it, that duo has found some immediate playmakers headed into 2019.
Now that the dust has settled – at least for the time being – let's take a quick look at the newest members of the Silver and Black.
First Round (No. 4 Overall) – Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Perhaps the most glaring need headed into the offseason for the Silver and Black was addressed in a hurry Thursday night.
Ferrell, who in addition to being a national champion, won the Ted Hendricks Award, awarded to the nation's top defensive end, and tallied 27 sacks during his career at Clemson.
The big man brings not only a wealth of on-field production to the Raiders, but leadership as well.
The Raiders got a bonafide stud at No. 4 overall.
First Round (No. 24 Overall) – Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
The consensus top running back in this year's class – with an incredible story, to boot – Jacobs was the Raiders' second selection, and first offensive player taken in this year's draft.
A back who really is the complete package, Jacobs totaled 1,315 total yards last year at Alabama, and with no perceived weaknesses in his game, he's the type of guy you can expect to start contributing the moment he straps on the pads for Head Coach Jon Gruden.
As "pass happy" as the NFL can be, good teams can dominate on the ground – Jacobs has the ability to do just that.
First Round (No. 27 Overall) – Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Mayock and Co., finished up their trio of first-round picks by selecting the hard-hitting safety from Mississippi State.
In addition to setting the tone on the backend of a defense – and making receivers think twice about coming across the middle – Abram had 10 pass breakups during his time as a Bulldog.
Abram made it abundantly clear during his introductory press conference that not only is he here to change the face of the Raiders secondary, but he has a deep appreciation for history, and the players who came before him.
You're going to like this guy, Raider Nation.
Second Round (No. 40 Overall) – Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
The Raiders kept the defensive theme going on Day Two of the Draft, snagging another Clemson Tiger in the second round, this time in the form of athletic cornerback Trayvon Mullen.
Mullen – who now reunites with college teammate Clelin Ferrell – was a beast at Clemson, finishing his career as a Tiger with four interceptions, 12 pass breakups, 94 tackles, and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Over the past few months, the Raiders secondary has gone through a bit of a transformation, and I think that Mullen will play a big role in that re-worked unit in 2019.
Fourth Round (No.106 Overall) – Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan
The Day Three action got underway for Mayock and Gruden with the selection of Eastern Michigan defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Crosby filled up the record book during his time as an Eagle, and finished his career with 20 sacks and 41 tackles for loss.
He'll be another fun toy for defensive coordinator Paul Guenther to employ to get after the quarterback.
Fourth Round (No. 129 Overall) – Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
The defensive theme continued in the fourth round, as the Silver and Black selected Isaiah Johnson with their second pick in the fourth round.
In addition to being an athletic cornerback who can provide quality coverage, Johnson said he's a willing participant on special teams, which is music to my ears as our resident Special Teams Advocate.
Quality pickup in the fourth round for the Raiders.
Fourth Round (No. 137 Overall) – Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
After a run on defensive players, the Silver and Black went back to the offensive side of the football with their final pick in the fourth round, selecting LSU tight end Foster Moreau at No. 137 overall.
A high-character guy who started 26 games in his career at LSU, Moreau will be an interesting rookie to follow throughout the Offseason Workout Program.
His 52 receptions mark a program-high for the Tigers, and with no shortage of athleticism at his disposal, I'm excited to see the kind of role he has in Coach Gruden's offense in 2019.
Fifth Round (No. 149 Overall) – Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
Well, after selecting Renfrow in the fifth round, we have officially renamed the team the Oakland Raiders of Clemson.
I kid, I kid, but with Renfrow now as the newest wide receiver for the Silver and Black, Mayock and Gruden have selected three Clemson Tigers over the past three days.
As far as Mr. Renfrow is concerned, he's a shifty pass catcher, who just time and time again finds a way to get open.
Oh, and he has what's probably the most-recognizable catch in Clemson football history.
Strong, strong pick on Day Three.
Seventh Round (No. 230 Overall) – Quinton Bell, DE, Prairie View A&M
A player who is admittedly raw on the defensive side of the football, Quinton Bell wrapped up the 2019 NFL Draft Class for the Silver and Black.
Bell is an athletic marvel, who has a track background, and while he still no doubt has a lot to learn about the nuances of rushing the passer, the athletic defensive end is at tremendous pick in the seventh round.
Oh, and his uncle, Nick, played three seasons for the Silver and Black as well.
Welcome to the family, Quinton.
