2010 NFL Draft: Small school victory wraps up day two
on April 23, 2010
The Raiders remain a mysterious force. There’s been talk about Bruce Campbell, the large-and-in-charge offensive lineman from the University of Maryland, since early on in the day and he was still available by the time the Raiders had to make a choice in the third round. And the Raiders choose… Jared Veldheer?
He’s not one of those well-known names, but believe it or not NFL analysts think this may have been a good move. Part of Veldheer’s lack of notoriety is due to the fact that he’s one of the few draft candidates from a small school, Hillsdale College, which has its pros and cons.
Pro: Veldheer is capable of holding off stiff competition without much help. As a offensive tackle, he’s proven he can hold the line of scrimmage and protect his quarterback. Another pro, not having to do with his DII-school background, is that he a tall brick wall at 6’8” and 312 pounds.
Con: This is what you would call a “developmental acquisition,” meaning there is going to be a greater learning curve for Veldheer to adjust to big league play.
So far the Raiders are drafting players on the line of scrimmage but the big question mark remains: Who will they pick up at quarterback? What is even more puzzling, perhaps, is this: How is Colt McCoy still on the board?! Touted as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football in 2009 when he played with the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, it is unimaginable to think he’ll still be on the board tomorrow when the Raiders will have another chance at a pick.
Update: McCoy was drafted 85th and will play quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
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