Oakland Raiders: Grading every 2018 NFL Draft pick

Grade: A+

The Raiders just can’t make up their minds as to whether they want this to be a monster draft class or an underwhelming one. One pick is wonderful, and the next is a head scratcher. This one, as you can tell by the grade, falls into the former category.

Seriously, this could very well end up being the biggest steal of the 2018 NFL Draft. That’s not hyperbole. Maurice Hurst was seen as a potential Top 20 selection before his heart condition was discovered during the Combine. Despite being cleared by doctors before the draft, teams were too worried about the risk to take Hurst off the board in the first two days.

Then, the Raiders decided to roll the dice with the Michigan defensive tackle. Well, as long as he stays healthy, Hurst is going to be everything they wanted at the three-technique and then some. He’s the class’ best interior pass rusher, sporting a ridiculous burst off the snap, plenty of power at the point of attack, and an array of moves to get after the quarterback.

The value here is simply unheard of. There hasn’t been this epic of a discount during (or after) the NFL Draft since the Dallas Cowboys signed Lael Collins as an undrafted free agent a couple of years ago. Assuming his heart condition doesn’t cause problems, Hurst will be a star for this Oakland defense.

One of the best value picks of this draft, hands down.