Post-Combine Players Rising Up Oakland Raiders’ Draft Board

Despite the fact that the NFL Scouting Combine is more about a players athletic ability and how they perform in shorts than actual on-field football ability, it can still have a dramatic effect on a players draft stock.

If you are Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, who puts a premium on athletic ability above almost all else, then it can have an immense effect on how you grade players.

So which players did the most to rise up the Raiders draft board?

There were some excellent performances at this year's combine, but some players stood out by showing considerably better than their peers. Here are the players I think have most improved their chance of being drafted by the Raiders.

 

Bruce Campbell

The big offensive tackle from Maryland probably had the best combine of any player at any position. His god-like physique (6’6”, 310 lbs., 36.25” arms) are prototype left tackle material. To also run a 4.78 40 at that size was off the scale and really opened some eyes.

Campbell also showed well in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. He demonstrated that he is not just a straight line speed guy but had good short area quickness and change of direction ability as well.

The worry here is that Al will fall in love with Campbell’s measurables and ignore the fact that many scouts believe his game film is very average. While he might have limitless potential with those physical skills, Campbell has yet to translate that onto the field and actual play.

The fact that this is a huge need position means Al with look very closely at Campbell with that No. 8  pick. At best, he will take a couple of years to develop and is unlikely to be able to contribute right away.

The Raiders need a starting tackle on Week One.

 

Taylor Mays

The safety from USC was pretty much up there with Campbell for his combine performanc...

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