AJ DeMello stops by to give TFDS some reports and real-ish insights into the kinds of players the Raiders got in the 2012 draft.
Tony Bergstrom, Utah Round 3
Strengths:
-Has experience in ZBS, can line up at tackle but will move inside
-He’s an exceptional hand user, which helps feed his pancake addiction
-Will kick your butt in a staring contest
-Makes defensive tackles talk to the hand
-Very good footwork (used to shine shoes)
-Has an exceptional motor, can push people forward
-Allowed no sacking of the quarterback in 2010, so he can be a boss (making someone his b****)
Weaknesses
-Has short arms, but eats his vegetables
-Isn’t spectacular in one particular area, (but) his name is Tony
-Sometimes struggles with speed, needs to overcome the habit
-A little tall for a guard, but people like the way he hooks
Bergstrom told the media, “If you come to my house, I’m usually sitting on a foam roller or something.”
Obviously, this guy is crazy inside. He’ll be an asset for Palmer up front.
Miles Burris, San Diego State Round 4
Strengths:
-Possibly possessed by a small demon with a killer instinct
-His specialty is kicking ass, on special teams and in the backfield
-Can line up inside or outside
-Exceptional pass rush ability
-Takes good angles, was known in high school as “Protractor”
-Kind of a beast
-Good at some real good things, obviously
Weaknesses
-Did not play against supreme competition
-Not the best dropping in coverage
-Can’t even pretend to cover the tight end
-Will need to work on coverage skills
-May just be a 3-4 outside linebacker
This was my favorite player for the Raiders to draft in the mid rounds. Him and Aaron Curry should raise the level of energy since they both play to the whistle every snap.
Jack Crawford, Penn State Round 5
Strengths:
-Real lengthy player who can pat down my balls
-Good at deflecting passes
-Has shown at times to be a stout run defender
-Has some upside with room to grow
-He doesn’t “hit the road,” he hits people
Weaknesses
-Has a limited amount of pass rush moves
-Will not sit on a timeout
-Will sometimes get pushed down, but he gets up again
-Can get a little high in his stance
-May not be an every down player
Mr. Crawford looks like a questionable pick, but it’s not like he has to be a starter this year. Looks like a great developmental prospect to learn from the likes of Richard Seymour.
Juron Criner, Arizona Round 5
Strengths:
-Widely regarded as a guy who could’ve gone on day two of the draft
-Has good size and hands, possible red zone threat
-Plays faster than most people give him credit for
-Will give some defensive backs a reality check because they just..can’t..cover him
-Seriously, the ball doesn’t have to be perfect for him to catch it
-It’s worth mentioning that he makes some spectacular catches
-Can make some things happen after the catch
-Basically, he’s hella good with the ball
Weaknesses
-Hasn’t fully figured out how to use his size to his advantage
-Needs to work on his blocking
-Can’t win a race with anyone on Raiders offense except for the line
-Sometimes has trouble locating balls
-Needs to secure the ball better after the catch
-Sometimes gets flagged for his touchdown celebration (faking a seizure while chewing blood capsules)
This guy could be like Dennarius Moore and Jacoby Ford before him, being the leading receiver for the Raiders as a rookie. Carson Palmer is going to love how this guy locates balls. It’s something Jacoby has had issues with (like the last game of the season in San Diego).
Christo Bilukidi, Georgia State Round 6
Strengths
-His name is Christo
-Regarded as a top 15 CFL player coming out
-Has some good quickness to him
-Versatile, playing all over Georgia State’s 3-4 defensive line
-Was a team captain; will stick finger in your face if you’re a disgrace
Weaknesses
-His technique needs work, could’ve gone undrafted
-Doesn’t figure to hold up against the run, could be limited to third downs
-Obviously, the dude has got weaknesses
-Spits holy water (not sure it’s a weakness)
This guy could be the Jared Veldheer on defense. Except he wasn’t a third round pick and won’t be thrust into a starters role, so that’s a plus. Not a bad thing to come along behind a guy like Richard Seymour. Like Crawford, he’ll provide some much needed depth on the defensive line.
Nathan Stupar, Penn State Round 7
Strengths:
-A willing tackler
-Good athlete
-Good football IQ, instincts
-Has a nose for the ball
-Loves to play special teams
Weaknesses
-Forces teammates into spit shakes
-Struggles to get off blocks
-Really raw player
-Lacks true position
-Only started seven games
-Technique needs to be coaches up
This guy is the nephew of former Raiders QB Jeff Hostetler. It’ll be good to get some more Raiders blood back on the football field for Oakland.
DRAFT GRADE: B+
Reggie Mckenzie couldn’t do any wrong by fortifying his offensive line with a plug-and-play guard like Bergstrom. Dude was regarded as the best ZBS guard in the draft, which is what Greg Knapp will run.
Despite being 4th and 6th round draft picks, Miles Burris and Juron Criner I think could made big impacts. Burris will make impact plays on defense, which is what the Raiders defense has truly been lacking. Offensively, Criner should mesh in well with the Raiders speed on the outside. He can be that reliable possession receiver for Carson Palmer to go to in tough situations. He’s more physical than any Raiders receiver on roster, despite coming in as a rookie.
FINAL THOUGHT
The Raiders did not draft a nose tackle, which makes me question if they’ve got the personnel to be as multiple as they’d like to be on defense. Perhaps they go into training camp with what they already have, and if they feel they need to add that big body guy, someone like Aubrayo Franklin could possibly be signed to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. He does have some experience with new Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, having worked with him in San Francisco.
I like what McKenzie did, picking some solid players here, adding some potential starters in Bergstrom, Burris and Criner in year one. Reggie made sure to add depth in the front seven and special teams, which is what the cheap guys should be doing. The days of when guys like Hiram Eugene were paid over two million to be a backup and special teams player are definitely over.
This content of this article comes from the twisted mind of AJ DeMello and is for entertainment and comedy purposes only. For more of his jokes and one liners follow A.J. @humorousfiend
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