Raiders Trade Hobbs To Gain Second Pick In Draft
The Oakland Raiders acquired the second overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft from the New Orleans Saints on Monday in exchange for wide receiver Daryl Hobbs and three draft picks.
The Raiders get the No. 2 spot behind the New York Jets and the Saints’ sixth-round pick, 166th overall, with the deal.
In addition to Hobbs, the Raiders gave up their first-round pick, 10th overall, as well as a second-round (39th overall) and a fourth-round (107th overall) selection.
It was the second straight year the Raiders traded up in the draft. Last year, Oakland made a draft-day trade to select Ohio State tight end Rickey Dudley with the ninth overall pick.
Raiders coach Joe Bugel would not hint whom the Raiders might take with the second pick in the April 19 draft.
“After two weeks we’ll come up with a great decision, trust me on that,” Bugel said.
Saints unsure about Shuler
Heath Shuler, once the hottest quarterback in the country, could make a bid for the starting spot with the New Orleans Saints if the Washington Redskins don’t derail the deal.
The Saints and Shuler reached an agreement during the weekend, but compensation to the Redskins must still be worked out. Shuler is a restricted free agent and the Redskins reportedly are seeking at least a No. 2 pick from New Orleans for the former No. 1 draft pick.
“There’s no way we’re giving up our second pick, the 32rd (overall), for Heath Shuler,” Saints general manager Bill Kuharich said. “If that is going to be a deal-breaker, then so be it.”
Around the league
Running back Lorenzo Neal, a free agent from the New Orleans Saints, signed with the New York Jets.
Neal, a 5-foot-11, 240-pounder, appeared in 16 games last season, starting 11. Used primarily as a blocking back and receiver, he caught a career-high 31 passes for 194 yards with one touchdown, and carried 21 times for 58 yards and one TD.
The Jacksonville Jaguars re-signed wide receivers Willie Jackson and Curtis Marsh, linebacker Brant Boyer and safety Darren Studstill.