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ALAMEDA -- The Raiders’ latest rookie class has made a significant impact on this year’s team. There are four regular starters and an impact player in this group of rookies, and national outlets have taken notice.
The NFL Network named the Raiders draft haul the best at this stage of the season in a ranking of the top 10 rookie classes in the NFL.
It’s an appropriate place considering the early returns from this group. Linebacker Khalil Mack ranks among the team’s best defenders, quarterback Derek Carr has played well as a rookie starter and guard Gabe Jackson and nose tackle Justin Ellis earned starting spots. Seventh-round pick T.J. Carrie is a heavy contributor on defense and special teams.
The Vikings ranked second, a worthy designation with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and outside linebacker Anthony Barr.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were third, the St. Louis was fourth, and the Buffalo Bills came in fifth.
Last week, the NFL Network re-drafted the top 10 selections, and Mack went No. 1 overall to the Houston Texans and Carr went No. 3 to Jacksonville.
[RELATED: Re-draft puts two Raiders in Top 5 overall]
