McFadden was the consensus number one running back prospect in this draft, and boy was he something special at Arkansas. 4900 yards in just 3 seasons ranks him #2 in total rushing yards in the SEC trailing of Herschel Walker.  I had McFadden as my #3 overall prospect and will be a very good player for the Raiders for the next decade.  My problem with this pick however is that the running game of Oakland was the one position of relative strength last season.  The Raiders ranked 6th in the league running the ball with Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. However, their run defense, ranked 31st in the league. And in a run heavy division such as the AFC West, it held them down.  Glenn Dorsey, the best DT prospect to come along in years, was still there at #4, and instead of taking him, they let him get away to division rival Kansas City.  Not a smart decision by the Raiders.

Grade: C+

4.  Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut

Branch has great size, measurables, and athletic ability.  He also started 4 years at Connecticut. A good pick for the Raiders, but they had bigger needs elsewhere. Branch should come in and provide some nice depth for the Raiders but probably won't start. Drafted strictly on workout numbers never works out, there draft stock seems to always shoot up, but their potential is very superstitial.  Another questionable pick if you ask me.

Grade: B-

4. Arman Shields, WR, Richmond

A very fast physical receiver. Had a great junior year but his number slipped of considerably his senior season.  He performed well at the combine to the extent of entering the draft picture again, and his 4.37 40 time was just off the top time of all WR's tested.  Should be a great special teams contributor and may eventually compete for playing time outside.

Grade: B-

6. Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo

A very tall athletic DE.  However, his on field production was likely.  His level of play at Buffalo was also very low and has to worry Raider fans. Atleast the Raiders finally addressed a major area of need, but better prospects were certainly available.

Grade: C

7. Chaz Schilens, WR, San Diego State

Will probably make the roster based on his size and speed, but really lacked any polish at all as a receiver.  In the 7th though, you're really just looking for someone who can come in and compete.

Grade: C+

Overall

I feel like the Raiders drafted a lot of potential and not production. While this is fine in the NBA, it is not fine in the NFL. They took many players from small name schools lacking the big game experience that other players acquired.  They also did a horrid job addressing their main points of need. On the positive side, McFadden should be a fantastic player, and will be a main candidate for rookie of the year next season.

Overall Grade:

C