The Oakland Raiders first pick was on the offensive side of the ball. Now, with their second pick, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie addressed the Raiders biggest need at the outside linebacker position by drafting San Diego State linebacker Miles Burris.
Burris is exactly the kind of guy one would expect Reggie McKenzie to draft. At this point in the draft, you need to get players who may not have a huge amount of upside, but who are solid players, guaranteed to have an impact on the team. In Burris, much like their first pick in Tony Bergstrom, Burris is a guy who will provide depth at multiple positions because of his versatility and ability to play at either the inside or outside linebacker position. Plus, Burris is the kind of player that, though he might need a year or two, could easily develop into a starting linebacker for the Raiders.
In addition, even if Burris cannot challenge for a starting position right away, he will have an immediate impact on special teams which is an area that the Raiders are in desperate need after losing their two best special teams players in Hiram Eugene and Rock Cartwright.
McKenzie continues to show off his ability to get great value out of late round draft picks. Burris is a solid football player who has a ton of value to the Raiders despite being taken the fourth round. Thus far, with the first two picks, McKenzie has been able to make solid upgrades to the Raiders by adding much needed depth and also taking guys who can challenge for a starting roll, even if not right away. It is going to be exciting to see what else McKenzie can get with his last three picks.