Oakland Raiders: Grading Out The 2015 Draft Class

Oct 4, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Daikiel Shorts (6) is tackled after a pass reception by Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Ben Heeney (31) during the fourth quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Mountaineers won 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5: (140) ILB Ben Heeney

With other more seemingly pressing needs, the Raiders’ selection of Heeney was a mild surprise. But it’s a surprise that could turn out very well for Oakland.

Heeney is widely regarded as fearless, and a top tier run stuffer. In his senior season at Kansas, he notched 127 tackles – 88 solo – 12 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception. He is relentless, his motor is always running, is very good at bringing down ballcarriers in the open field, and often makes some spectacular plays.

Nov 29, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back DeMarcus Robinson (20) jumps over Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Ben Heeney (31) at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats won 51-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

The downside is that Heeney, though capable of producing the highlight reel play, is often susceptible to whiffing and coming up empty. He’s not terrific in pass defense, but has a quick burst and can get through the line to pressure opposing QB’s.

Heeney is a strike first sort of linebacker who doesn’t sit and wait for the action to develop. He acts, rather than reacts, and while that leads to some terrific instinctive plays, it also can lead to some pretty significant misses. Consider him an upgraded version of Miles Burris.

He’ll likely have to start carving out a niche for himself on special teams and in the rotation behind Curtis Lofton. But with Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr. coaching him up, Heeney could develop into a very nice addition to the Raiders’ linebackers group.

Grade: B

Next: Round Five: Neiron Ball