Oakland moved from No. 26 to No. 23 in the 2005 first round…

Oakland's move up for Fabian Washington was a classic speed bet. Washington had run one of the fastest cornerback times in his draft class, and the Raiders were willing to spend the 105th pick to move from No. 26 to No. 23 before another club could take him. He was not a bust in the absolute sense. Washington played three seasons in Oakland, started 29 games and intercepted five passes, including a solid second season. The problem is that he never became the long-term top corner the premium move suggested. By 2008, after Oakland had added DeAngelo Hall, Washington was dealt to Baltimore for a fourth-round selection. Seattle accepted the small move down and gained two offensive linemen. At No. 26 the Seahawks selected Chris Spencer, who spent six seasons with the club and started 70 games across center and guard. The extra fourth-round pick became Ray Willis, a swing tackle who appeared in 49 games for Seattle and made 26 starts. Neither player became a star, but together they gave the Seahawks years of functional line play during a period that included the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance. The difference is not dramatic enough for a failing grade on Oakland. Washington was a legitimate NFL starter and later returned another draft choice when the Raiders moved on. Still, Seattle received more snaps, more starts and better roster efficiency while giving up only three draft slots. That is why hindsight tilts toward the Seahawks. Oakland paid extra to chase a higher-ceiling defensive back and got a respectable but short tenure. Seattle reduced its first-round position only slightly, added another selection and converted both picks into multi-year contributors. In value terms, the move down created the stronger portfolio without forcing Seattle to sacrifice its immediate roster needs.