Quick thoughts on Raiders draft pick Elijah Hood

The Oakland Raiders have selected Elijah Hood with their third pick of the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Elijah Hood will hopefully be able to develop and help Oakland in the run game after Marshawn Lynch retires. But we will get more into how Hood fits with the Raiders when we take a deep dive into his impact with our in depth coverage tomorrow morning. For now, here’s a look at quick thoughts on Elijah Hood that will give you some insight into the newest member of the Raiders.

• Some might be confused by the pick considering the Raiders just signed Marshawn Lynch, but it makes a ton of sense. Lynch signed a two year contract and there’s always the chance he is only with the Raiders for one season. Hood not only gives depth in case of an injury but also a future option to replace Lynch’s production between the tackles.

• No, I was not saying Hood can be as good as Lynch but his running style is the smash mouth compliment the Raiders need for the shifty backs they already have. Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington provide a lot but getting the tough yards with power running isn’t their thing.

• Interestingly versatile, Hood can not only provide pass protection for Derek Carr but some look at him as a guy who can convert to being a lead blocking fullback because he has shown he can make blocks out in open space. Could give the Raiders the ability to line him up with Richard or Washington and really give defenses a lot to think about.

• Good enough as a pass catcher to not be a liability. Doesn’t have much shiftiness or agility to his game so he can’t create much unless it’s created through brute force.