ALAMEDA – The Raiders began the NFL Draft selecting No. 10 overall and eventually dropped to 15. Only one spot separated the Raiders and Chargers in the draft order.
They had different needs, and went in different directions.
The Raiders took UCLA offensive tackle Kolton Miller. The Chargers selected Florida State safety Derwin James, a prospect expected to go much higher.
Chargers coach Anthony Lynn was thrilled to see James still on the board.
“It was surprising,” Lynn said. “We had him higher. When he fell to us, it was a gift.”
The gift keeps on giving.