Pro Football Focus, a web site that uses advanced metrics to grade NFL players on every play of every game, has graded the Raiders' draft picks from 2008 to 2010.
The scale goes from 2.0 (Youve just found Tom Brady in the 6th round) to -2.0 (You just drafted the love child of Jamarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf!). Check out the entire report card here, or if you'd just like a couple of snippets:
1.0:The scouts nailed it!
Tyvon Branch, S (100th overall pick in 2008): The versatile Branch got his opportunity to start in 2009 and hasnt looked back, picking up twice as many snaps as anyone else from the 2008 draft class. Coming off his best year where he improved his run defense while expanding his responsibilities to play in the slot, helping the Raiders cope with a lack of cornerbacks.
0.5: Never hurts to find a solid contributor
Rolando McClain, LB (8th overall pick in 2010): You worry about him in coverage as he can get a bit lost, and there are some questionable off the field behaviors to concern yourself with, but McClain has made some plays for the Raiders. A good downhill player who is an effective blitzer at times, hes not perfect but better than a lot of middle linebackers in this league.
0.0: It could have been worse
Darren McFadden, RB (4th overall pick in 2008): McFadden is obviously extremely talented, but the Raiders just simply havent seen enough of him to warrant the fourth overall pick in the draft. Capable of changing a game, McFadden is the kind of back who can turn something nothing into something with his breakaway speed.
-0.5: That pick was not put to good use
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (7th overall pick in 2009): Viewed as a reach at the time, DHB had two terrible years as he struggled to cope with life in the NFL. He took a big step forward in 2011, but not enough to either make you forget the early struggles or suggest hell ever live up to being the seventh overall pick of any draft.
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