The Oakland Raiders announced that they have signed five of their picks from the 2019 NFL Draft, including defensive end Maxx Crosby, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, defensive end Quinton Bell, tight end Foster Moreau.
Head coach Jon Gruden made some substantial changes to the roster in his first season at the helm in an effort to shore up their assets in this year’s draft. They were finally able to get some return on their investment by addressing multiple needs in their personnel.
Although most of the attention has been fixed on their three first-round picks, it is clear that Oakland has high hopes for the entire draft class. They will need their young core to step up if they hope to enjoy a potential resurgence in the 2019 NFL season.
The Raiders’ first order of business in the draft was bringing in pass-rushers after their defense finished the 2018 campaign ranking dead last in sacks. Aside from taking Clelin Ferrell in the first round, the front office also managed to bring in some other promising edge rushers in the fourth and seventh rounds with Crosby and Bell, respectively.
Depth in the secondary has long been an issue for Oakland and they are hoping their additions through free agency and the draft will help to stabilize things over the top. As a result, Johnson will have an opportunity to etch out an integral role on defense after being taken in the fourth round.
Oakland was also able to bring in some potential weapons for Derek Carr on offense. Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock were not shy about expressing their praise for Renfrow while Moreau will have an opportunity to help fill the void left by Jared Cook this offseason.
