Early scouting for the Oakland Raiders 2009 draft: Myron Pryor Defensive Tackle-Kentucky

The Oakland Raiders have had a chronic problem at defensive tackle for the last several seasons. They were roundly criticized for passing on Glenn Dorsey who was considered the top defensive tackle in the nation and selecting Darren McFadden. In fact, the Raiders have not invested a high pick in a defensive tackle since they took Leon Bender in 1998 who tragically died before he could play a snap. With Terdell Sands's contract likely becoming cost prohibitive next season and the Raiders ongoing problems at this position, they should consider making a move on a defensive tackle in the 2009 draft. In his recent game against the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky senior Myron Pryor stood out as a player who would look good in Silver and Black come training camp of 2009.

 It seemed like Pryor played the entire game on Lousville's side of the line of scrimmage, and he was consistently in the face of Louisville's quarterback Hunter Cantwell, blowing up screen passes or stopping the run. Prior seemed to be around the ball on every play. He forced one fumble that was returned for a touchdown, and later in the game he rumbled 72 yards with a fumble return for a touchdown of his own. He had five tackles and was credited with three quarterback hurries on top of the forced fumble and fumble return. 

For 2006 and 2007 he started 21 out of 24 games for the Wildcats registering 69 tackles with seven for a loss. He added two sacks during those years. Those numbers don't scream out greatness in and of themselves, but watching the kid play he had very good instincts and was always around the play. He was able to fight off blocks and showed the smarts to know whether to break up the screen pass or to go for the quarterback, and the quickness to make it happen. Scout.com reports that he had a nagging injury in 2007, but is fully healthy for 2008. He looks to be a disruptor from the interior of the defensive line.

Considering that Kentucky is not known as a football powerhouse school despite their improvement under Rich Brooks, he may be an under the radar guy. He will be a player that I will be keeping an eye on as the season continues to see if he continues to impress. He may end up being a late round steal.

Myron Pryor-Defensive Tackle

Class: Senior

Height: 6'1" Weight 310

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