Five Late Round Prospects Oakland Raiders Should Target

Jared Norris, Linebacker, Utah

Jared Norris is a name flying under the radar for multiple reasons. One he suffered an injury in 2015 limiting him to just 10 starts. Next, he is a liability in coverage, and at linebacker, covering running backs and tight ends is one of your main jobs. Thirdly he lunges at rushers sometimes leading to missed tackles. And finally, he isn’t flashy. Nothing stands out about Norris.

All those preconceived notions about Norris may be true, but Norris doesn’t have to be flashy to get the job done as his college stats prove he can be a dominant defender.

In 2015, even with his injury he was still able to rack up 86 tackles with six and a half tackles for a loss and a sack. He earned second-team All Pac-12 honors and was invited to the Senior Bowl.

He was even better the year before, making 116 tackles with 13 going for a loss. CBS Sports speaks very highly of Norris’ potent junior season.

"“With all due respect to 2015 second round picks Eric Rowe (Philadelphia Eagles, No. 47 overall), and Nate Orchard (Cleveland Browns, No. 51), Jared Norris was arguably the Utes’ top defender” – CBS Sports on Jared Norris’ junior season."

Besides just his stats, Norris is also a decent athlete running his 40 in 4.80 seconds, getting 19 reps on the bench and vertical jumping 29 1/2 inches.

Norris would be a great fit on the Raiders if the team can fit him in their specific scheme and fix some of his mechanics. If he can continue to perform in the NFL how he did in college he could be a stalwart on Oakland’s defense.

Currently, Ben Heeney is slated to start the year at middle linebacker for the Raiders. It is possible that Oakland adds a defensive end in the first round of the draft, moves Khalil Mack to outside linebacker and pushes Malcom Smith inside.

Heeney racked up 38 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble last year. That was all behind starter Curtis Lofton. It is yet to be seen if Heeney can handle the starting role.

Norris wouldn’t necessarily overtake Heeney right out of the gate, but he would provide great competition and even better depth to the Raiders.

Norris is not flashy, he is not a household name, but his college stats speak for themselves.

Of course there are players who were great in college and flop in the NFL and Norris falls into that category for some scouts. But if the Raiders take a shot on Norris they can get a very consistent linebacker who can produce at a very high level; all at the price of a sixth or seventh round pick.

Next: Wide Receiver