Oakland Raiders: Grading every 2018 NFL Draft pick

Grade: C-

I completely understand the Raiders’ need for help at defensive tackle — specifically at the three-technique. It’s been an issue for years, and nearly every attempt they’ve made to find a capable interior pass rusher has fallen flat.

Unfortunately, this is another swing and miss for Oakland. With plenty of intriguing talents still on the board at No. 57, the Raiders decided to go for a little-known, small-school nose tackle with theoretical upside. I know he’s a great athlete with some impressive wheels for his size, but the second round was unnecessary.

Most folks saw Hall as a Day 3 talent who could be had for a the fourth- or fifth-round pick. Instead, the Raiders got desperate for some interior athleticism and potential, and rolled the dice with the Sam Houston State product. Now the pick definitely could have been worse, but I just don’t see the need in reaching this early for a player who could have been had later with one of the Raiders’ many mid-round selections.

Maybe I’ll be wrong and the gamble will pay off for the Raiders. Just based on value alone, though, I can’t give this pick a good grade. Superior talents like B.J. Hill and Nathan Shepherd were still on the board.