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Raiders Draft Capsules

A quick look at Oakland's 2011 NFL Draft picks:

Stefen Wisniewski
Guard/Center, Penn State
6-3, 313
2nd round, 48th overall

Key Stats: Wisniewski capped his senior season by being named a first-team All-America. He also earned first-team Academic All-American honors in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He reportedly was the first true freshman to start on the offensive line (right guard) for coach Joe Paterno in over a decade. He started 37 of his final 38 games at Penn State at guard or center.

NFL Potential: Wisniewski has the versatility to play guard or center. The former Nittany Lion reportedly will be given every opportunity by the Raiders to start at center as a rookie. He's expected to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player because of his intelligence, athleticism, work ethic, strength and durability. He was rated the No. 2 prospect at center by NFLDraftScout.com

Did You Know?: Wisniewski's uncle, Steve Wisniewski, was named to the Pro Bowl eight times during his 13 seasons (1989 to 2001) with the Raiders. Steve Wisniewski was hired by the Raiders as assistant offensive line coach on Jan. 27, 2011. Stefen Wisniewski's father, Leo, was also a second-round draft pick and played four seasons with the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts.

DeMarcus Van Dyke
Cornerback, Miami (Fla.)
6-1, 168
3rd round, 81st overall

Key Stats: Van Dyke had three interceptions (two as a senior) in 50 games with the Hurricanes. He started only three of 13 games as a senior and made 21 starts overall.

NFL Potential: Raiders managing general partner Al Davis loves speed, and Van Dyke fits the bill. The former Hurricane reportedly ran the fastest time of 4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2011 NFL scouting combine. Van Dyke is undersized but his speed and quickness are ideal for a special teams gunner as he develops as an NFL defensive back.

Did You Know?: The selection of Van Dyke makes it three straight years in which the Raiders landed the player who ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey snagged the top honor in 2009 and receiver Jacoby Ford won the title in 2010.

Joseph Barksdale
Offensive Tackle, Louisiana State
6-5, 336
3rd round, 92nd overall

Key Stats: Barksdale made a team-high 39 straight starts over four seasons with the Tigers. He started at right tackle in 2008 and 2009 before switching to left tackle as a senior.

NFL Potential: Barksdale's size, strength and athleticism are impressive, but he reportedly must improve his blockling technique and work ethic to develop into an NFL starter. The Detroit, Mich. native was rated the 12th best offensive tackle prospect by NFLDraftScout.com

Did You Know?: As a true freshman, Barksdale played in 14 games in LSU's national championship season in 2007.

Chimdi Chekwa
Cornerback, Ohio State
6-0, 190
4th round, 113 overall

Key Stats: Chekwa started his final three seasons for the Buckeyes, and he was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior. He started 38 of 52 career games and finished with six interceptions and 29 pass breakups.

NFL Potential: Like third-round Raiders pick DeMarcus Van Dyke, Chekwa is a burner - he reportedly ran 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash. As former Raiders first-round bust Fabian Washington proved, speed alone doesn't guarantee success as an NFL defensive back.

Did You Know?: Chekwa was a member of Ohio State's Big Ten championship 400-meter relay team in 2009.

Taiwan Jones
Running Back, Eastern Washington
6-0, 195
4th round, 125th overall

Key Stats: Jones was the Big Big Sky Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year his junior season in 2009. He rushed for 1,742 yards (7.9 yards per carry) and 14 touchdowns as a senior. In his final two seasons at Eastern Washington, Jones rushed for 2,955 yards, averaged 7.7 yards per carry and scored 37 touchdowns overall.

NFL Potential: Versatile, explosive player who figures to contribute as a rookie on special teams because of his speed. He reportedly was timed at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Eastern Washington's pro day in April. Questions about his durability, character and ball security reportedly hurt his drafting position.

Did You Know?: Jones reportedly had 21 offensive plays of at least 50 yards during his college career, including five plays of at least 80 yards.

Denarius Moore
Wide Receiver, Tennessee
6-0, 190
5th round, 148th overall

Key Stats: Moore is the only major college player to have two 200-yard receiving games during the 2010 season. He had a combined 433 receiving yards against Kentucky and South Carolina. As a senior, he finished with 47 catches for 981 yards (20.9-yard average) and nine touchdowns.

NFL Potential: Moore exhibited big-play capability with the Volunteers, scoring 18 touchdowns and totaling 2,004 receiving yards in 52 career games.

Did You Know?: Moore played his junior season at Tennessee for former Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, who was fired in 2008 after feuding with managing general partner Al Davis.

Richard Gordon
Tight end, Miami (Fla.)
6-4, 268
6th round, 181st overall

Key Stats: Gordon is a strong blocker who caught only 10 passes for 60 yards in 49 career games for the Hurricanes.

NFL Potential: The former Hurricane could fill a Raiders need as an efficient run-blocking tight end and special teams contributor.

Did You Know?: As a Miami sophomore in 2007, Gordon returned five kickoffs for 104 yards(20.8 yard average). A tight end returning kickoffs?

David Ausberry
Wide receiver, Southern Cal
6-3, 233
7th round, 241st overall (compensatory)

Key Stats: Ausberry contributed 20 catches and scored four touchdowns as a senior with the Trojans. He finished his USC career with 64 catches for 700 yards and seven touchdowns in 42 games.

NFL Potential: Ausberry spent time at wide receiver and tight end during his career with the Trojans. He's a big target with an ability to get open. He has a reported top time of 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Did You Know?: Ausberry's cousin is former sprinter Tommie Smith, the 1968 Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meters who is remembered for giving the "Black Power" salute (with John Carlos) on the medal stand.

Contributing: nfl.com | nfldraftscout.com

Updated: 04-30-2011

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