Oakland Raiders: Grading every 2019 NFL Draft pick
Round 4, Pick 106: Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan
Defense, defense and more defense. Mayock had a plan and it was to bolster the defensive side of the ball. For the fourth time in five picks, Mayock addressed needs on the defensive side of the ball.
Maxx Crosby likely comes in to play as a rotational guy on the edge. With the needs for a wide receiver, tight end and offensive line help, the Raiders could have waited a little longer to get a rotational guy. Nevertheless, Crosby has been described as a developmental prospect who has a high ceiling, per NFL.com:
"“Developmental, long-limbed defensive end who needs a year or two of bulking up before he’s ready to see the field… Crosby offers a higher ceiling.”"
Who knows, maybe Crosby can work his way into the rotation. If he doesn’t, he’s a solid long-term stash who could help out later down the line. But it was a reach considering he was projected as a sixth or seventh round pick.
Grade: D
Round 4, Pick 129: Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
The Oakland Riders have a goal and that’s for their defensive backs to punch receivers in the mouth. Why else would they take a guy like Isaiah Johnson in the fourth round? The Houston product is a pure boundary corner who excels in press coverage.
At 6-2, 208 pounds Johnson does his best work on the outside. He’s a perfect fit for a team that plays Cover-3 or press bail. Johnson provides depth who can come in as a rotational guy. More importantly, he offers upside thanks to his closing speed, loose hips, and physicality.
Grade: A
Round 4, Pick 137: Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
After losing Jared Cook, there was a glaring hole at the tight end spot in Oakland. Derek Carrier and Luke Wilson were the only two names left on the roster entering the draft. Wilson and Carrier had just 154 receiving yards combined in 2018.
Bringing in a young talented prospect was a necessity. Foster Moreau is an old school tight end. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Moreau’s blocking ability as one of his greatest strengths:
"“Moreau is a feisty, committed run-blocking tackle with solid technique and footwork to find proper angles in-line or on the move…. While he’s not dynamic, he should find work as a run-blocking option who can be moved around formations.”"
He’s not a seam threat, but he has value as a run blocker. With Josh Jacobs is coming in as a bell cow, a run-blocking tight end makes sense. While Moreau isn’t the flex type, he does provide a big body who can work the middle of the field. After the catch, he’s a tenacious runner who looks to punish defenders.
It’s likely that offensive coordinator Greg Olson and Jon Gruden will use Moreau in the short passing game. He’ll see pop routes, anything underneath that allows him to use his power, size and minimize his speed deficiencies. Moreau follows the same strategy Mayock employed since his first pick. He’s a solid player with good character who’ll see plenty of opportunities.
Grade: B