A detailed look at every player drafted with Rob Ryan as a DC (Part I)

Note: I didn't attempt to make any projections from Ryan's draft history and how it might relate to who we take in New Orleans. I think there are too many variables in play for that. For example, during his time in Oakland, he wasn't given the reigns to the organization with the freedom to draft whomever he wanted. I just researched and compiled this list out of sheer curiosity to see the players Ryan had a hand in drafting and coaching over his time. I hope you guys have as much fun with this as I did putting it together.

2004 Oakland Raiders

3rd Round: Stuart Schweigert, S, Purdue

Turned into an effective starter, improving in tackles and interceptions for three straight seasons before sustaining a nasty injury in 2007. Despite a promising career year in 2006 in which he amassed 107 tackles, he never fully recovered. Following his release from the Raiders in 2008, he never played past preseason with any other team.

6th Round: Shawn Johnson, DE, Delaware

Cut before the season began and never played a down in the NFL.

6th Round: Cody Spencer, LB, North Texas

Also cut before the season began. Signed by the Titans, then Jets. Spencer played sparingly on special teams for a few years before being released for good in 2008.




2005 Oakland Raiders

1st Round: Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska

This pick is semi-famous and stands out a prime example of Al Davis's draft mishaps. Fabian Washington was drafted with the 23rd pick of the 1st round. The very next pick? Aaron Rodgers to the Packers. Washington, meanwhile, developed into a respectable corner back for the Raiders but never lived up to his first round potential. He was traded to the Ravens in 2008 for a 4th round draft pick before ultimately coming the Saints in 2011 where he ended his career on the Injured Reserve list.

2. Stanford Routt, CB, Houston

Routt enjoyed a decent amount of success with the Raiders, breaking into the starting line in his rookie season. He resigned by the organization to a $31.4M deal in 2011, but was released in a cap-saving measure in February 2012. The Chiefs acquired him in 2012 before the Texans signed him this past December. He remains a solid corner back.

3rd Round: Kirk Morrison, LB, San Diego State

An excellent value pick. During his five year tenure with the Raiders, Morrison thrived at his position. He started as a rookie and ended the season with 116 tackles. His second year he led the team with 128 tackles. In 2008 and 2009 he continued to place in the top 10 in the NFL in tackles, as well as adding numerous interceptions and forced fumbles for his team. He was traded following the 2009 season and has played with Jacksonville and Buffalo since this time.

6th Round: Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin

A collegiate stud with the talent to be an NFL superstar, Hawthorne saw his draft stock tumble after testing positive for marijuana at the 2005 NFL combine. Other teams noted his incredible athletic talent but questionable work ethic and apathetic disposition. He played for just two seasons in the NFL before being waived by the Raiders in 2007. No other team would sign him.

6th Round: Ryan Riddle, LB, California

Another disappointment. Amassed just 7 tackles in his two year NFL career.




2006 Oakland Raiders

1st Round: Michael Huff, S, Texas

Solid pick. Huff hasn't had the greatest numbers for an overall 7th pick of the draft, but he's been solid throughout his seven season career. He has been a locker room leader as well as a contributor on the field and was named the Raiders organization's 2012-3 Walter Payton Man of the Year. He was listed on the second team All-Pro in 2010.


2nd Round: Thomas Howard, LB, Texas-El Paso

Howard recorded 110 tackles his rookie season. In his second season he continued to shine. He grabbed four interceptions and returned two for touchdowns in his first four games. He had a productive career with the Raiders before being traded to Cincinnati, where he signed a two year, $6.5M deal in 2011. He's been a solid starter and contributor since being drafted.

4th Round: Darnell Bing, S, USC

Bing has not panned out as a reliable NFL player. After being released by the Raiders, 49ers, Jets and Lions, the former USC standout is now playing in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.




2007 Oakland Raiders

3rd Round: Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia

The Raiders didn't draft a defensive player until the 3rd round, as they were busy loading up JaMarcus Russell with an armored car full of cash in the first and Tight End Zach Miller in the second. Moses, the 65th overall pick of the 2007 draft, was cut before the season started and ended up playing four very lackluster years in Miami. Moses ended his NFL career with just 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

4th Round: John Bowie, CB, Cincinnati

The Raiders acquired this pick when they shipped Randy Moss to New England. Needless to say, the Patriots got slightly more production from Moss than the Raiders did from John Bowie. While Moss and Brady were setting records in Foxboro, Bowie was bouncing from practice squad to injured reserve before being cut for good in 2009 by the Bengals. Another bad pick.

5th Round: Jay Richardson, DE, Ohio State

An underwhelming pick for the Raiders. Richardson contributed but didn't break through in three seasons for the Black and Silver before being traded, signed and cut by several teams since 2010. He is currently a project of the Saints, who will try to resurrect his career after sitting out of football all together last year.

5th Round: Eric Frampton, S, Washington State

Drafted in April 2007, the Raiders cut him on September 1 of the same year. He subsequently signed with the Lions, Vikings and Cowboys, where he has become a special teams standout. He has carved out a role for himself and continues to enjoy regular playing time. For a 5th rounder, this has turned into a fair pick.




2008 Oakland Raiders

4th Round: Tyvon Branch, DB, Connecticut

One of just two defensive players drafted by the Raiders in 2008, Branch has demonstrated that he is a serviceable NFL starter. He broke into the lineup as a strong safety and has entrenched in the position for the past five seasons. For a 4th round pick, he has proven worth the selection.

6th Round: Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo

Scott's career got off to a great start as he garnered 5.0 sacks his first season and 7.5 in his second before tearing his ACL in 2010. He did not play in 2011 but signed with the Patriots in 2012, recording 3.0 sacks coming off the bench. As a 6th rounder, this is about the production one could reasonably expect.