RAAAAAIIIIDDDEEERRRRRRSSSSS! #JustWinBaby #RAIDERNATION
— EV4™ (@Vanderdoes47) April 29, 2017
Former UCLA defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes is going back to Northern California.
The Auburn, Calif., native was picked by the Oakland Raiders on Friday in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 88th overall selection.
Coming off an ACL tear that ended his 2015 season after only one game, Vanderdoes started all 12 games in 2016, but racked up only 29 tackles going against constant double teams.
He was hampered by small injuries throughout what would be his final season in Westwood, dealing with a sprained knee and ankle. By the time the former five-star recruit resurfaced at the Senior Bowl, Vanderdoes had shed about 20 pounds after he played at 340 pounds during the season. When he participated in UCLA’s Pro Day, he weighed in at 301 pounds.
Vanderdoes’ UCLA teammates shared their congratulations:
Congrats @Vanderdoes47 back to Northern California you go for 2 years and then to Vegas #Blessings
— Adarius Khyree (@Pick6Pickett) April 29, 2017
Congratulations to Eddie! This man was meant to play for the Raiders! pic.twitter.com/gNHxMO0Rro
— Tom Bradley (@TomScrapBradley) April 29, 2017
Congrats Edward!! So proud of you family, the Raiders just got a STEAL. Love ya grandpa #Spinaloa @Vanderdoes47
— Jaelan Phillips (@JJPhillips15) April 29, 2017