Here are some Oakland Raiders’ draft needs by position and candidates to fill them:
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
A run-stuffing interior presence to go along with Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly on a rotational basis is essential. The Raiders have finished 27th, 29th, 29th, 31st and 31st in run defense the past five seasons.
Mike Martin, Michigan (6-1, 306): A bit undersized but an active penetrator who can play the nose. An ex-wrestler who understands leverage.
Josh Chapman, Alabama (6-1, 316): Had ACL surgery on Jan. 17, finishing the season with the injury _ and playing well as run defender for a national champion.
Alameda Ta’amu, Washington (6-3, 348): If coach Dennis Allen is serious about working in some 3-4, here’s your classic space-eater in the middle.
CORNERBACK
Raiders cut Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Projected starters are free-agent finds Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer, and 2011 picks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa have a lot to prove.
Ron Brooks, LSU (5-10, 190): Versatile enough to play slot corner and free safety and had a knack for forcing turnovers for SEC power.
Chris Greenwood, Albion (6-1, 193): Last Division III player to make his mark in the NFL was wide receiver Pierre Garcon.
Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson (5-11, 189): Strengths are press coverage, speed and the potential to be an immediate contributor on special teams.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Stefen Wisniewski moves to center, with free agent Mike Brisiel and Cooper Carlisle at guard and Jared Veldheer anchored at left tackle. Right tackle is a battle between Khalif Barnes and Joe Barksdale. Depth needed.
Tony Bergstrom, Utah (6-5, 313): Attributes include getting to second level and adjusting to moving defenders, essential in zone blocking scheme.
Tom Compton, South Dakota (6-5, 314): Best asset is as physical, nasty run blocker. Question is whether Raiders’ scouts think he’s agile enough for their system.
Gino Gradkowski, Delaware (6-3, 300): Bruce Gradkowski’s younger but much bigger brother has versatility, was a weight-room fanatic and is very detail-oriented.
QUARTERBACK
Staff gets its first good look at third-round supplemental pick Terrelle Pryor, and how he fares will determine if a young QB is a possibility. Keep in mind Reggie McKenzie’s Packers took Matt Flynn in the seventh round in 2008.
Russell Wilson, Wisconsin (5-11, 204): System with moving pocket can negate height disadvantage. A winner, a leader and a playmaker in the clutch.
Kellen Moore, Boise State (6-0, 197): As smart as he is productive, Moore looks at football like an offensive coordinator and could make an excellent backup.
Austin Davis, Southern Mississippi (6-2, 219): A four-year starter whose mobility makes him a natural for Greg Knapp’s bootleg-oriented offense.
