Head coach Jon Gruden lamented ineffective Raiders draft classes at several times this offseason. The last three haven’t been productive, without true impact players outside receiver Amari Cooper.
The Raiders needed more from that crew, Gruden said. Coaches have worked to develop some, with positive initial results. They have flat cut bait on others, regardless of draft status.
They released 2015 third-round tight end Clive Walford in March. They traded 2016 second-round defensive tackle Jihad Ward in May.
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They waived 2017 second-round safety Obi Melifonwu on Thursday afternoon with an injury designation.
If he clears waivers, it should be noted, that Melifonwu would revert to the Raiders' injured reserve list. If a team claims him, it would assume payment on the rest of his guaranteed 2018 salary. The next two years of Melifonwu's rookie deal are not guaranteed.
It seems unlikely, at this stage, that Melifonwu will be in the Raiders' future plans. They also could release him outright once he is healthy, or work out an injury settlement.
This is the latest injury issue for a player who hasn’t been able to stay healthy in silver and black.
NFL
The UConn product had a hamstring issue in training camp, returned for an preseason game in Dallas and got hurt again. He had arthroscopic knee surgery near the end of last preseason that put him on injured reserve. The Raiders eventually designated him to return, but he didn’t last long. He eventually had hip surgery that ended a disappointing rookie year.
Melifonwu was cleared to work in the offseason program and in training camp, but he last practiced on Aug. 6. He had a heavy workload that day with so many safeties banged up, and didn’t make it to the next practice.
Gruden said Melifonwu was dealing with a lower body injury -- The Athletic reported it was related to last year’s hip surgery -- and that he was being evaluated several times after that when asked to update Melifonwu’s status.
Melifonwu reportedly saw a specialist, but the results of that visit remains unknown. Gruden will speak with the media next after Friday’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Melifonwu had an excellent performance at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, flashing the size, speed and athleticism that made him a higher-round pick. He was sold as someone who could effectively cover tight ends and running backs, a role the Raiders struggled to fill in recent seasons.
Injuries ruined his rookie season, and Melifonwu wasn’t beloved by a new coaching staff that played no role in his selection.
Melifonwu has played 34 snaps for the Raiders, with seven tackles.
Melifonwu’s departure won’t impact the Raiders' safety depth chart. He was working behind Reggie Nelson, Karl Joseph, Marcus Gilchrist and Erik Harris -- players expected to make the 53-man roster.