Mike Mayock is one of the most respected minds in the NFL draft community.
When he was a draft analyst for NFL Network, his word was gospel. Now, the Raiders get to benefit from his wisdom after hiring him as their general manager.
So, what did Mayock think of the Raiders' last three first-round draft picks? We're glad you asked.
In 2016, the Raiders selected West Virginia safety Karl Joseph with the No. 14 overall pick. He struggled during his first two seasons, but 2018 was seen as a breakout campaign for the 25-year-old.
Here's what Mayock said about Joseph when the 2016 NFL Draft had concluded:
"With his range, toughness and ability to drop down in the slot and cover man, he's like a poor man's Earl Thomas. He says he models his game after Brian Dawkins. Some say he's much like Bob Sanders. This is a dynamic playmaker."
Joseph certainly hasn't lived up to the Earl Thomas comparison. Thomas is a three-time first-team All-Pro. After three seasons, Joseph isn't at that level yet.
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The next year, the Raiders again addressed their secondary, picking Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley at No. 24. It was a risky pick because of the baggage that came with Conley. Just before the draft, he was accused of rape.
Injuries cost him most of his rookie campaign, but Conley played in 15 games in 2018, and finished with three interceptions and 37 total tackles.
At the time, Mayock focused on Conley's legal troubles when he said this:
"You can't make that pick and be wrong because your owner is gonna hold you accountable for it if this kid ends up with any kind of jail time."
Two years later, Reggie McKenzie was out as GM.
Last year, the Raiders wanted Mike McGlinchey at No. 10, but the 49ers snagged him at No. 9. So Oakland traded the No. 10 pick to Arizona for No. 15 and two later picks. They used that No. 15 pick to select UCLA offensive lineman Kolton Miller.
Miller had his ups and downs during the 2018 season. At one point late in the season, he was leading the league in sacks allowed. But big things still are expected from him, and some pressure will taken off Miller with the addition of high-priced free agent Trent Brown.
Here's what Mayock said about Miller at this time last year.
"They get the No. 2 offensive tackle in this draft to put behind Donald Penn, the incumbent left tackle. He can start on the right side. He only answered the bell 23 times in three years. Durability is a concern."
[RELATED: Mock draft has Raiders trading up for a QB]
Miller erased any concern about his durability by starting all 16 games as a rookie.
Now, instead of critiquing the Raiders' draft class, Mayock is in charge of picking the players whom others will critique.
