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Las Vegas Raiders have found NFL draft sweet spot in middle rounds

HENDERSON, Nev. -- While we've already addressed the Las Vegas Raiders' overall draft woes of late -- only six of their 68 draft picks from 2012-19 have been signed to second consecutive contracts and just three of their first-round draft picks since 2005 have been signed to extensions -- there has been a bright spot.

As in ... a silver lining to a decidedly black cloud.

Because for every JaMarcus Russell, Rolando McClain, D.J. Hayden and Gareon Conley as first-round flops, the Raiders have unearthed midround gems such as defensive tackle Justin Ellis, defensive end Maxx Crosby, receiver Hunter Renfrow and cornerback Nate Hobbs.