Raiders complete NFL Draft by addressing areas of concern

The first draft for first-year Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek wrapped up Saturday.

Known as a good talent evaluator during his time as an assistant GM with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his talents paid off with more solid picks in rounds four through seven.

The Raiders selected WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. of Tennessee (round 4); DT Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina (round 4); DT J.J. Pegues, Mississippi (round 6); WR Tommy Mellott, Montana State (round 6); QB Cam Miller, North Dakota State (round 6); and LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota, (round 7).

Of the six late-round selections, here are the three that appear to be the best fits for the silver and black:

WR Dont'e Thornton Jr., Tennessee

QB Geno Smith had a big target in DK Metcalf (6-foot-4) with the Seattle Seahawks. Now he gets another one in Thomas, who's listed at 6-foot-5. Thornton is also fast, running a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash. He adds to a Raiders receiving room that already had Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and Jack Bech, the latter selected in Friday's second round. 

Wide receiver was an area the Raiders had to address. They definitely did with the Bech pick and now potentially have a sleeper in Thornton Jr., who has the skill to make catches away from his body.

DT J.J. Pegues, Mississippi

He made tackles on defense, but on offense also saw the end zone seven times as a fullback in goal-line situations. That two-way ability could pay off in the creative attack of Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. 

Most importantly for the Raiders, Pegues comes in to help in the trenches, complementing what the Raiders already have in star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who missed most of the regular season because of a foot injury.

QB Cam Miller, North Dakota State

Finally, the Raiders selected a quarterback. Miller is described as a "natural thrower" by NFL.com draft analyst Eric Edholm, and he will get to learn under Smith.

It's unknown what it means for backup Aidan O'Connell. He may be expendable with Miller in the fold.

Post-draft bottom line

The Raiders attacked their areas of need, and for the most part, they did that, led by the selection of running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick. 

Spytek also went with two offensive linemen in the third round. The Raiders actually finished the draft with three new receivers, since Mellott will be converted to a receiver. 

Vegas went with two defensive tackles and one linebacker to fill spots. While the players will still have to prove it on the field, Spytek, on paper, was solid in the selections he made.