The 2011 NFL Draft begins on Thursday as The Oakland Raiders look to add more talent to their roster. During the 2010 Draft, the Silver and Black added key components to their squad and Raiders.com takes a look at their accomplishments.
In the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, The Raiders selected LB Rolando McClain from Alabama with the eighth overall pick. Coming off a National Championship as part of the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2009, McClain filled in immediately as the starting middle linebacker. McClain finished the season with 85 total tackles (59 solo), six passes defensed and one interception in 15 games.
The Silver and Black snagged defensive lineman Lamarr Houston* *from Texas with the 44th overall pick in the second round. Houston played in all 16 games, starting 15, and totaled 39 tackles (30 solo), five sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
The Raiders selected tackle Jared Veldheer* *in the third round, 69th overall. Veldheer, a Division II All-American at Hillsdale College in Michigan, started the last 10 games of the season at left tackle and helped the Raiders rank second in the NFL in rushing.
Oakland added to the offensive line with their first pick in the fourth round, selecting Maryland tackle Bruce Campbell* *. Campbell, who was selected 106th overall, was active for 10 games and saw playing time primarily on special teams.
The Raiders acquired the 108th overall pick in a trade with the Jaguars and closed out their fourth round by drafting WR Jacoby Ford* *from Clemson. The versatile playmaker set a franchise record with three kickoff return touchdowns. He also added two receiving touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Ford received AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors twice and was voted NFL Rookie of the Week. Ford was also named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.
In the fifth round, the Raiders snagged cornerback Walter McFadden from Auburn with the 138th overall pick. McFadden played in four games and recorded five tackles.
The Raiders added a linebacker in the sixth round (190th overall), selecting Arizona State's Travis Goethel. After missing playing time due to a back injury, Goethel returned to see action in eight games, recording four tackles on special teams.
In the seventh round, the Raiders selected Michigan State cornerback Jeremy Ware with the 215th overall pick. Ware played in eight games and recorded his first career interception and broke up three passes.
With their final pick of the 2010 draft (215th overall), the Raiders selected
Michigan safety Stevie Brown. Brown played in 15 games with one start and excelled on special teams, tying for second on the team with 15 special teams tackles. The rookie also recorded 30 tackles (25 solo) and two passes defensed.
Log on to Raiders.com during the Draft as we present the Raiders.com Draft Central section. You'll be able to follow the Draft pick-by-pick live as it happens, check out LIVE press conference video from the Raiders Alameda, Calif., facility, conference call audio with Raiders Draft picks, Draft choice bios and photos and much more in an organized, easy to use format.
Don't forget the Raiders Official Draft Party at Everett & Jones in Oakland's Jack London Square, Thursday from 4 - 9:00 p.m.
