The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Auburn pass-rusher Keyron Crawford in the third round (No. 67 overall). Here are some thoughts on the pick:

This pick was somewhat of a surprise. The Raiders had more glaring needs and Crawford may have been projected to go lower than the third pick of the third round.

The Raiders bypassed needs at defensive tackle and wide receiver (there were some good players available) to take Crawford.

Clearly, Las Vegas likes Crawford’s upside. He didn’t play football until his senior year in high school. But he improved as a pass-rusher every season in college. He may be a project in the NFL and take some time to develop, but there is potential.

The Raiders have Maxx Crosby, new free-agent signing Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson. Koonce is a free agent after next year and Wilson will likely be because he is not expected to have his fifth season option exercised. So, Crawford, who was impressive at the Senior Bowl, is a long-term projection.

Like top two picks, Fernando Mendoza and Treydan Stukes, Crawford is considered a high-character player. That is a trait the Raiders covet.