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NFL Draft 2011: Raiders Stick With Athleticism, Draft Running Back Taiwan Jones

More vintage Oakland Raiders at this point, they drafted Taiwan Jones, the running back out of Eastern Washington. Their backfield already feeling a little crowded with the coming out of Darren McFadden and some other solid guys back there, so this pick was likely made solely for Jones' athletic ability. He wasn't on many teams' boards until he had his workouts and wowed people with his speed and athleticism. We all know that the Raiders are the team who is wowed the most by said speed and athleticism. They already drafted DeMarcus Van Dyke, the cornerback who ran in the 4.28 range earlier on, and Chimdi Chekwa, another corner who excels with his athleticism.

Jones may not ever be a starter in the NFL, but with proper coaching, who knows? He's got a lot of athletic ability, but lacks intangibles like balance and elusiveness. He might be able to contribute from day one for a couple plays a game, but the Raiders need to caution themselves and not work him too much, lest his flaws are exposed early and he coughs up some fumbles.

Still, it's not a bad pick and he does have solid potential. Like we said ... vintage Oakland.