Raiders' Gruden defends controversial draft choices

The Jon Gruden hype train took some hits in the first three rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Oakland Raiders' draft choices so far have been met with widespread criticism, especially the perceived reach for offensive tackle Kolton Miller at the No. 15 overall spot.

Gruden defended his team's selections Friday, and acknowledged the added pressure that comes with unpopular picks.

"I don't really hear all the skeptics," Gruden said after the conclusion of Day 2, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I have a cell phone, too, that works. I've got a lot of coaches and friends in the NFL that are ecstatic about the picks that we made. And I apologize to people who don't like our picks and are skeptical. I also realize we have to prove we did the right thing."

Oakland not only took Miller in the first round but traded up in the third for fellow offensive tackle Brandon Parker, despite being a year removed from owning arguably the best offensive line in the league.

But after watching Derek Carr struggle with injuries in recent seasons, Gruden said it was a price worth paying to protect his franchise quarterback.

"We need guys who can block, and we addressed that today," he said. "And we have a quarterback, I think, that is one hell of a football player, and it's a priority to protect him. He's been hurt the last two years, and it bothers me."

The Raiders used their other two picks in the opening three rounds on defensive tackle P.J. Hall and edge rusher Arden Key, and will have six more selections on Day 3 to change the perception of Gruden's first draft back in Oakland.