Friday, we looked at the Oakland Raiders rookies who will likely begin the season as a starter.
With receiver Amari Cooper (first round), defensive end Mario Edwards (second round) and tight end Clive Walford (third round) are earmarked to start, let's take a post-offseason workout session look at the remaining Oakland draft choices and what to expect from them.
Fourth round, Jon Feliciano, guard: Feliciano could end up starting at some point this year, but he will likely be a backup. I think it hurt Feliciano's chances that journeyman J'Marcus Webb was working ahead of both him and veteran Khalif Barnes during the minicamp. Webb, who didn't play in the NFL last season, was a tackle in Chicago under new Oakland offensive line coach Mike Tice. If Webb starts, it means Feliciano is just not ready to play. He is tough and strong, but he is raw. He has a future, it just may take a while. And that's fine. He's a fourth-round pick.
Fifth round, Ben Heeney, linebacker: The Raiders' linebacker competition is strong and they could keep seven, while most teams keep six at the position. I think Heeney, a Kansas product is safe. He has adjusting well to the pro game. Teammates have lauded him for intelligence and the way he is helping call the defense some in practice. Expect him to make an immediate impact on special teams.
Fifth round, Neiron Ball, linebacker: Ball is very similar to Heeney. He has been impressive and he should make a crowded linebacker group. Ball is very athletic and been flying around the field despite having microfracture surgery in his knee just seven months ago. Expect to see Ball become a special teams contributor right away.
Sixth round, Max Valles, defensive end: Valles has some pass-rush ability. He had eight sacks at Virginia last year. Valles is raw and he is just 20. He will need to develop, but I bet the Raiders find a way to keep him on the 53-man roster unless he shows nothing in training camp.
Seventh round, Anthony Morris, tackle: Morris is a huge, raw prospect. He has a chance to make the roster, but he has to show something in camp.
Seventh round, Andre Debose, returner: He injured his Achilles in an OTA and is on the injured reserve. Debose will try to make the team next year.
Seventh round, Dexter McDonald, cornerback: The Raiders are trying to stockpile young players in the secondary. McDonald will be given every chance to make the roster.
