The Oakland Raiders traded back twice in the fourth round, dropping back 22 slots to get picks in the fifth and seventh rounds, then dropped back another four spots in order to get another seventh round pick. Yet after trading back twice, many believe the Raiders’ fourth round pick was still a reach. Many had guard Jon Feliciano as a seventh round or later talent.
The NFL Draft is a funny thing. There is so much hype and buildup and many believe that the rankings by websites like ESPN are the bible. But every year we see guys taken way before expected and way after expected, especially on day three. Feliciano is a guy who was taken way before most expected, so there is obviously some concern. The hope is that the Raiders saw something that others missed in Feliciano.
In college, Feliciano was a solid starter and played well all four years. He is seen to have physical limitations that make him a question mark at the next level. He is a so-called “high motor” guy and so far that has allowed him to play well. It is yet to be seen whether that motor will be enough to make up for a lack of athleticism in the NFL.
Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice got along well with Feliciano which is a good sign that Reggie McKenzie is listening to his coaches when making picks. The team has a need at right guard, so we’ll likely get a good look at Feliciano right away. However, if Feliciano really is a seventh round talent, the Raiders still have a big need at right guard.
