The Raiders started out their 2015 draft with wide receiver Amari Cooper Thursday with the fourth overall choice, then finished it off Saturday with cornerback Dexter McDonald of Kansas in Round 7. In between, the Raiders specifically addressed needs on the defensive line, at tight end and linebacker.
But Reggie McKenzie’s first choice on Day 3, guard Jon Feliciano of Miami in the fourth round, could prove to be one of his most significant picks of this draft.
Feliciano is a big man at almost 6-foot-4 and 323 pounds and could work his way into the starting lineup at right guard, where the job is up for grabs. If he can, the Raiders would have a pair of physical run-blockers at the guard spots. Last year, McKenzie drafted Gabe Jackson in the third round, and Jackson was the opening-day starter at left guard. Now, it could be Feliciano’s turn.
Last year’s starter at right guard, veteran Austin Howard, has been moved back to right tackle – where he previously played with the New York Jets – to compete with Menelik Watson for the starting spot.
So, the right guard competition likely will include Feliciano, versatile Khalif Barnes – who’s been valuable as a guard and tackle – and Matt McCants.
Felicano was ranked No. 7 among the guards in this draft class, according to one analysis, after starting four years at Miami and playing both tackle and guard.
According to Mike Huguenin of NFL.com, Feliciano was one of the most impressive players at this year’s Shrine Game practices. Huguenin wrote that Feliciano is tenacious and hard working. The NFL.com scouting report notes he allowed just four sacks over his final three seasons with the Hurricanes.
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Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice told reporters Feliciano will need to battle a learning curve, but he’s eager to see what Feliciano can do.
“It’s going to be great to add him to the mix,” Tice said. “We’ll get some young blood in here with some toughness, intelligence, versatility.”
In addition to Feliciano, the Raiders draft picks on Saturday were: inside linebacker Ben Heeney of Kansas (fifth round), outside linebacker Neiron Ball of Florida (fifth), inside linebacker Max Valles of Virginia (sixth), offensive tackle Anthony Morris of Tennessee State (seventh), wide receiver-kick returner Andre Debose of Florida (seventh) and cornerback McDonald (seventh).
