NFL Draft 2011: The Oakland Raiders Look To Build Toward the Playoffs

April 12, 2011   ·   Justin Pelletier   ·   Jump to comments

The Raiders are without a first round pick (due to the Richard Seymour trade), so they have to make every pick count. The Silver and Black are coming of the heels of their first quality draft in, seemingly, forever.
Rolando McClain was solid at middle linebacker, racking up 85 tackles, while Lamarr Houston strengthened the middle of the defensive line with 39 tackles and five sacks. Left tackle Jared Veldheer was a very pleasant surprise. The rookie out of Hillside seems to be an offensive build block. Fourth round pick Jacoby Ford is an electrifying weapon at WR and in the return game.
Oakland will look to continue acquiring quality youth in the 2011 draft, with an eye on contending for a playoff spot next season. Here is a look at how they might do it.
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