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Always one to bolster the trenches, Reggie McKenzie followed up his second round pick of defensive lineman Jihad Ward with Shilique Calhoun — a defensive end from Michigan State — at pick No. 75 in the third round.
At 6'4", 251 pounds, Calhoun was a two-time All-American on one of the nation's best defenses in the country. With 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, Calhoun helped lead the Spartans to the National Championship game last season.
What's interesting about this pick is how drastically different it is from their first pick tonight — this time opting for a proven, experienced pass rusher to compliment their raw, high-upside second rounder. Both guys add some much needed depth to the Oakland pass-rushing rotation while they await Aldon Smith to return from suspension.
In addition to his on-field success, Calhoun was also a two-time team captain in East Lansing.
Raiders Draft Picks:
Round 1, Pick 14: Karl Joseph, S, WVU
Round 2, Pick 44: Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Round 3, Pick 75: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
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