Third round: Depth for the defensive line
Could Shaughnessy become Burgess insurance?
NEW YORK — The Raiders need linemen — there was no doubt before the draft offensive and defensive tackle were identified as positions of need.
But when Oakland drafted a lineman early in the third round, it wasn’t a stout run-stuffer or massive pass-blocker. It was a hybrid rush end/linebacker from Wisconsin: Matt Shaughnessy.
Like Trevor Scott the year before, Shaughnessy is a small end, checking in at 6-foot-5, but only 266 pounds.
“(He) could find a home as a rush linebacker,” Lindy’s said, “but has enough athleticism and strength to fit at defensive end.”
The Sporting News was high on Shaughnessy despite a mid-round grade, saying, “He has a great frame for an NFL franchise to build and mold him.”
His selection could be a sign the Raiders are concerned about the future of former All Pro Derrick Burgess, whose sack totals at left end have declined every year he has been with the Raiders. With Burgess due for free agency next year, and second-year man Scott in line to move up as a rush specialist, Oakland could be hedging its bets.
Opinions are mixed on his Shaughnessy’s upside, with the Sporting News touting his “good burst at the snap” and good leverage and recognition. “Plays strong,” Ourlads’ said.
But Pro Football Weekly says he “plays too upright” and “lacks explosion and functional strength … neutralized too often.”
Most scouting reports agree if Shaughnessy is going to make it as an end, he needs more strength and bulk.
Could that mean a move to strongside linebacker, a perennial weakness, is in the newest Raider’s future?
“Projects to an outside edge 3-4 pass rusher,” Ourlads’ Scouting Services said. “An oversized linebacker that has good speed and long arms.”
But Pro Football Weekly raises another red flag, saying he “looks unnatural dropping into coverage.”
Shaughnessy was a four-year starter who averaged four sacks a year for the Badgers, but he tailed off as a senior after a broken leg in the spring and the sudden death of his brother in the summer.
“Saw his stock drop as a senior when his deficiencies rose to the forefront,” Pro Football Weekly said.
His checkered injury history also includes a torn ACL suffered as a freshman.
“Injuries followed Shaughnessy throughout his career at Wisconsin,” Lindy’s said, but added that he played through them.
There are also questions if Shaughnessy has maxed out his potential.
“May have hit a wall and what you see is what you get,” Ourlads’ said.
But Shaughnessy also followed a Raiders pattern this draft: Good character.
Even the NFL’s player profile calls him a “classic battler.”
“Good instincts and intelligence,” Ourlads’ said. “Productive high-motor player that gives it up from snap to whistle. Tough and aggressive.”
Recent Raiders third-round draft picks:
2009 — Matt Shaughnessy, DE, Wisconsin
2008 — none
2007 — Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia; Mario Henderson, OT, Florida State; Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR/KR, UTEP
2006 — Paul McQuistan, OL, Weber State
2005 — Andrew Walter, QB, Arizona State; KIRK MORRISON, LB, San Diego State
2004 — Stuart Schweigert, S, Purdue
2003 — Sam Williams, DE, Fresno State; JUSTIN FARGAS, RB, Southern California
Bold = Still with Raiders; CAPS = Starter in 2008
