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Former Marist center Menelik Watson picked by Oakland Raiders in 2013 NFL Draft

Sean Progar, Menelik Watson

Northern Illinois defensive end Sean Progar (95) tackles Florida State offensive linesman Menelik Watson (71) during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

AP

The Oakland Raiders trade with the Miami Dolphins gave them a second-round pick on Day 2 of the 2013 NFL Draft. With the 10th pick in the second round, the 42nd overall, the Raiders selected Florida State offensive lineman Menelik Watson.

The Manchester, England native started off his collegiate career at Marist ... as a basketball player. Listed at 6-foot-8 at Marist, Watson averaged 4.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, averaging 16 minutes of action for the Red Foxes. The Red Foxes were 6-27 (3-15 MAAC) in Watson’s only season as a college basketball player.

Watson finished that season and transferred to Saddleback Community College (Calif.), where he began to play football for the first time. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk mentioned Watson has raw talent and high potential.

Watson was the fifth Florida State player drafted at time his name was announced. The Raiders finished 4-12 in the 2012 season.

Terrence is also the lead writer at NEHoopNews.com and can be followed on Twitter: @terrence_payne