2010 Oakland Raiders Draft Review: How Stong is this Class of Rookies?

We are halfway through the preseason and the Oakland Raiders look to have one of their best drafts in a long time.  My question now is "How many will actually be starters?" At first, I only figured two for sure and possibly three, but now it looks like there could be more. Let's take a brief look at our rookie class for 2010.

 

No. 1- MLB Rolando McClain: Rolando McClain was one of 5 "Can't Miss Picks" on the Raider Draft Board and was the only one available when the Raiders went on the clock, so they grabbed him. 

He was penciled in as a starter on draft day, which led to Kirk Morrison being dealt away for a 4th round pick. 

He has already gained high praise from teammates, coaches, and opponents.  Some even say that he's the next coming of Ray Lewis. 

Verdict: Starting MLB

 

No. 2- DL Lamar Houston: Lamar Houston was the main pick that worried me because he was listed as a DT in the draft and seemed undersized for what we needed at the position. 

However, once camp broke, I discovered that the plan was to move Richard Seymour inside to DT and Houston would play DE. 

He recorded 2 sacks in the preseason opener against Dallas' starting offensive line, which lead other opponents to take him seriously. 

He has the Raider image mean streak that will help him be successful. 

Verdict: Starting DE 

 

No. 3- OL Jared Veldheer: Jared Veldheer was from a small school that many wondered about when he was drafted in round three. 

Many thought he'd beat out Mario Henderson for the LT job, but it looks like he may leave camp as the starting center after injury to Samson Satelle (who I've never been high on) and Chris Morris not being much better. 

This guy may be the second coming of Don Mosebar. 

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