With the 158th pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders select Jack Crawford, defensive end, Penn State. The Oakland Raiders are finally getting active in the NFL draft with four picks on day three. Their first pick of day three went to the Raiders biggest need at outside linebacker. With their second pick of day three and third pick overall, the Raiders traded the pick for the 158th and 230th picks of the 2012 NFL draft. The Raiders likely expected the guy they wanted at 148 to still be there at 158 and took the opportunity to get another pick in this year's draft with the 23rd pick of the 7th round. Now, the Raiders have six picks and are able to add another body.
With the 158th pick in the draft, the Raiders went defensive again, taking a defensive end out of Penn State. Crawford is a developmental prospect at defensive end. He is more of a pass rusher than a run stopper, but has plenty of upside and has room to improve in both areas. With the Raiders in need of pass rush, this is a pick who might be able to contribute on passing downs as a rookie, and who can develop into a solid back up and potentially into a starter one day at the pro level.
Raiders 2012 NFL Draft Haul
No. 95 (Third Round): OL Tony Bergstrom, Utah
No. 129 (Fourth Round):
No. 148 (Fifth Round):
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