Oakland impact
ANALYSIS
Based on broadcast reports from ESPN and The NFL Network, the top three picks are expected to look like this when the draft starts today at 3 p.m.:
So that puts Oakland up next, and this selection figures to have a trickle-down effect on the Patriots at No. 7.
Assuming there is no trade, the Raiders are likely choosing between three options: RB Darren McFadden, DE/OLB Vernon Gholston and DT Glenn Dorsey.
The Raiders have Justin Fargas, LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes and Michael Bush at running back, so there is no major need for McFadden.
The team also invested heavily in DT Tommy Kelly in free agency, and while they'd surely find a spot for Dorsey, it's not a major need either.
Gholston would be the type of hybrid DE/OLB that would seem to fit well in the Raiders' 3-4 scheme, and his position appears to be the greater need than RB or DT.
Of the group, McFadden appears to be the key for the Patriots.
If he slips past Oakland, trade action for picks 5, 6 and 7 would seemingly pick up.
If the reports are true would the pats move up to number five and get Vernon Gholston.
BigBoy, I don't see them moving up.
--Mike
Awesome day, an NFL fan's Christmas.
ESPN also just noted that the Raiders are expected to take McFadden at No. 4, making things very interesting. Any possibility that Dorsey slips past both the Chiefs and Jets? I would have previously assumed that the Jets would rather take Gholston over a D-Lineman like Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis, but maybe that has changed with their trade of Dewayne Robertson. I'm sure that any sign of Dorsey slipping would make the Pats' pick extremely hot, but perhaps the Patriots will find more value in Dorsey than a prospective trade.
Gholston has become way overblown.
I expect BB to pass on him. He usually goes for the under-the-radar guys.
C'mon Bill. MOVE up to 5 for Dorsey!! Give the fans something to cheer about coming off a tough off season. Plus DORSEY is a STUD!!! Was the clear cut number one pick 3 months ago. Nothing we love more than a clogging DL. Dorsey will easy the pressure of Seymour whose legs are getting older by the minute!
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