Oakland Raiders Pick-by-Pick 2016 NFL Draft Grades

Aug 2, 2015; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (left) and owner Mark Davis at training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders had a chance to fortify their roster for a playoff run with a good 2016 NFL draft. Did GM Reggie McKenzie pull it off?

To help answer that question, this article will focus on each and every pick, running through why it was good, decent or not-so-good and most important what it can do for the franchise in their question to make the postseason for the first time since 2002. Here is the list as it stands.

Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
Jihad Ward, DT, Illinois
Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech
Cory James, OLB, Colorado State
Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU

First impressions are obvious enough. With Derek Carr having his weapons and an offensive line in place, head coach Jack Del Rio wanted his defense taken care of as the first three picks went to that side of the ball. Did they get some instant starters? Let’s find out.

Next: 1st Round