The Raiders drafted defensive end Max Valles Saturday in the sixth round of the NFL draft, No. 179 overall.
Valles, 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, was an outside linebacker in college but projects as a rush end with the Raiders. He had nine sacks in 12 games with scouting reports indicating he is a gifted but raw talent.
Signed in 2012 by Virginia, Valles played a post-graduate season at Fork Union Military Academy and then for two years with the Cavaliers before coming out for the draft.
Valles was the third consecutive defensive player selected, coming after fifth round picks Ben Heeney of Kansas and Neiron Ball of Florida.