Pro Football Weekly and Riddell present ...
2002 NFL draft
Infusing youth
Raiders preparing to replace aging veterans
By Nolan Nawrocki, Associate editor of special projects
April 20, 2002
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| The Raiders currently have 18 players on their roster over the age of 30.
One of the aging veterans considering retirement is CB Eric Allen, who still reads routes
superbly but lacks great makeup speed and deep acceleration. Miami (Fla.) CB Phillip
Buchanon was expected to be drafted in the top 10 before falling to No. 17, where the
Raiders traded up to snag him. With a slew of extra draft picks from the Buccaneers in
compensation for head coach Jon Gruden, the Raiders dealt some late-round picks to the
Redskins and then the Falcons to move up and select the speedster out of Coral Gables.
Many teams rated Buchanon higher than Chargers’ fifth overall pick Quentin Jammer
in terms of coverage ability. Buchanon may get the opportunity to put his skills to test
early. Should Allen retire, Buchanon could step in immediately and develop alongside Pro
Bowl CB Charles Woodson. If Allen sticks around for another year, Buchanon will have an
excellent mentor in place. It’s a win-win situation for the Raiders.
The Raiders also carry an aging LB corps with the recent additions of Bill Romanowski
(36) and Gerald Dixon (32). ILB Greg Biekert is also 33. The Raiders have been largely
impressed with Northwestern LB Napoleon Harris, who won’t stay on the board long as
the top linebacker in a weak class. Expect the Raiders to secure Harris with the 23rd
overall pick and continue infusing young talent on an aging team. |
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