Oakland Raiders: Grading Out the Free Agent Class So Far
By Kevin Saito
Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
If ever there was a destination that would allow Smith to develop into a very solid linebacker, it’s Oakland. Not only is his old position coach – Ken Norton, Jr. – the new defensive coordinator for the team, Del Rio is a former linebacker as well – and a pretty great one.
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Buried behind Seattle’s very talented linebacker group, Smith never got many chances to shine. But when he did, he took advantage of it – such as picking off Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl and taking it back to the house. Which incidentally, is the primary reason anybody knows who he is.
Ultimately though, Smith was a backup in Seattle, so he’s something of an unknown commodity at this point. But by all accounts, he’s got tremendous upside, is incredibly athletic, and has a high football IQ. He’ll mesh well with Oakland’s linebacker group.
He’s a great add for depth, with the possibility of becoming the Raiders’ defensive quarterback. Del Rio and Norton, Jr. will be able to get the most out of a player like Smith. Adding the former Super Bowl MVP is a very solid move as he will help the team in a number of ways.
GRADE: B
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