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Oakland Raiders' 2016 draft class: Analysis, grades, best picks, highlights

With the 2016 NFL draft now complete, every fan wants to review his or her team's draft. Where were the reaches? Was there enough value? Any potential busts?

ESPN Insider's NFL draft experts are here to provide a full recaps of every team.

For all 32 NFL teams, click here.

Oakland Raiders

Scouts Inc. on 2016 class

1 (14) Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia | Highlights

What he brings: Joseph is coming off a season-ending knee injury, but he's a difference-maker when he's healthy and is the most complete safety in this class. He's rangy, he showed much improved diagnostic skills in coverage last season and he's a ball hawk. He's also an outstanding run defender with above average stopping power even though he doesn't have great size. Finally, he was a two-time team captain at West Virginia.

How he fits: The Raiders signed Reggie Nelson to help replace Charles Woodson but they need a safety capable of starting opposite him, as a torn MCL limited Nate Allen to five games in 2015. Joseph is the top safety on our board so he's a good value in addition to filling a need. The Raiders finished 13th in interceptions last year and Joseph has the potential to be a playmaker. -- Steve Muench


2 (44) Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois | Highlights

What he brings: Ward is raw, but he has an excellent combination of size, power and quality athleticism that give him a high ceiling. He is a better run defender than pass-rusher at this point. His best scheme fit is at defensive end in a 3-4 front, but he's scheme versatile and has shown the ability to reduce inside where he can become a disruptive pass-rusher with proper development.

How he fits: Ward has exceptional size, power and raw athleticism to add depth on the edge. In addition, he brings the versatility to bump inside and provide an interior pass-rushing element with book-end rushers Khalil Mack and recently-signed Bruce Irvin off the edges. Oakland had a firsthand look at the Broncos' formula in capturing Super Bowl 50 and are attempting to copy the blueprint in building a championship-caliber defense this offseason. -- Kevin Weidl


3 (75) Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State | Highlights

What he brings: A two-time captain, Calhoun is at his best rushing the passer and he wins in different ways. He's an active hand fighter who makes it tough to lock on and flashes the ability to counter when he does get reached. He dips his inside shoulder, gets under blockers and cuts down the angle to the quarterback. He mixes it up with quick inside moves. However, he weighs just 250 pounds and he needs to get stronger against the run. His best position fit is left defensive end based on the tape, but he could move to 3-4 outside linebacker. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: Justin Tuck retired and Mario Edwards sustained a neck injury last season, so Calhoun could see immediate time. In addition, Aldon Smith began serving a one-year suspension last November, so adding an edge rusher was a priority, and Calhoun is a good value at this point. -- Steve Muench


4 (100) Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State | Highlights

What he brings: Cook is a proven winner in a pro-style offense. He has the frame, arm strength and pocket mobility to develop into an effective starter. His footwork and accuracy are concerns, though. He misses too many routine throws, and he forces receivers to adjust to passes hindering their ability to produce after the catch. There are also concerns about Cook's ability to command an NFL huddle and locker room. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: Quarterback Derek Carr obviously isn't in any danger of losing his starting job, but general manager Reggie McKenzie is wise to improve the depth behind him. While there are concerns about Cook's accuracy and leadership, he has the potential to be an excellent backup and good starter down the road. This is a good value pick.


5 (143) DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech | Highlights

What he brings: Washington runs bigger than his measurables indicate with quality balance and a lower center of gravity. However, he's a smaller back with durability concerns as he tore an ACL in 2011, and he put the ball on the ground too much last season. He has the natural ability to develop into an effective change-of-pace third-down back who could compete for a kickoff return role. -- Kevin Weidl


6 (194) Cory James, OLB, Colorado State

What he brings: A four-year starter, James lined up at outside linebacker, inside linebacker and defensive end in addition to playing in base three-man and base-four man fronts at Colorado State. He's undersized for a weakside linebacker -- let alone a defensive end -- and he has better speed than athletic ability. He projects as a core special teams player who could develop into an adequate reserve on defense. -- Steve Muench


7 (234) Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU | Highlights

What he brings: LSU's starting left guard for two seasons, Alexander moved to right tackle in 2015, and it's clear he's a better fit on the inside despite his long (35 inch) arms; he doesn't have the quickness or foot speed to protect the edge. Alexander, however, is a powerful run-blocker with the size and strength to develop into an effective reserve and possibly starting guard if he improves his footwork, balance and hand placement. -- Steve Muench


Mel Kiper's Draft Grade: B+

Kiper: Reggie McKenzie is on a roll. After free agency you could make the argument the Raiders have one of the top five offensive lines in football, and they needed to do some work on defense (even with the addition of Bruce Irvin). Karl Joseph is a stud at safety, my No. 13 player overall, and the Raiders got him with the 14th pick. Jihad Ward has first-round talent and they got him in Round 2. Shilique Calhoun can rush the passer and has a lot of production to point to. That's a solid Round 3 value. In moving up for Connor Cook in Round 4, the Raiders jumped in front of both Dallas and Kansas City, two teams I think could have picked him. That's good maneuvering and not only does he provide some insurance against a Derek Carr injury, he's a guy who could become a valuable trade chip. I like the addition of DeAndre Washington, because not only can he play, this is the right range to go after potential running back starters. Ultimately, a solid draft. I know we tend to overestimate how much rookies can help a team, but the defense in particular looks better.


Todd McShay's favorite pick

Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia (No. 14 pick)

The Raiders needed to add another safety to the fold at some point to complement Reggie Nelson. Joseph covers a good amount of ground in coverage, and he's an absolute hammer against the run. He's one of the more violent and efficient tacklers we've studied at the position in the past five years. GM Reggie McKenzie also did well to add DE Jihad Ward and QB Connor Cook. They want to be multiple along their defensive line, and Ward has that ability, while Cook gives them a quality backup behind Derek Carr. You can never assume your quarterback will stay healthy in this league.