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Oakland Raiders: Six UDFA’s Who Could Crack The 2017 53-Man Roster

By Kevin Saito

May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Detroit Lions retired receiver Calvin Johnson (second from left) talks with Oakland Raiders receivers Michael Crabtree (15), Keon Hatcher (14) and K.J. Brent (80) during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Detroit Lions retired receiver Calvin Johnson (second from left) talks with Oakland Raiders receivers Michael Crabtree (15), Keon Hatcher (14) and K.J. Brent (80) during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Raiders
Oct 24, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Wagner Seahawks linebacker Najee Harris (20) grabs on to Brigham Young Cougars running back Francis Bernard (36) and tackles him during the first quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Najee Harris (LB)

Reggie McKenzie has never shied away from taking a long look – and even signing – some small school prospects. And linebacker Najee Harris could possibly be the latest small school prospect to secure a spot on Oakland’s 53-man roster.

Harris, of Wagner – and not to be confused with the former Crimson Tide running back of the same name – could potentially fill a huge need in Oakland’s defense. That need, of course, is at the interior linebacker spot.

With Jelani Jenkins and fifth-round pick Marquel Lee essentially penciled in to play the inside, the Raiders still have a real problem with depth. Beyond Lee and Jenkins are Neiron Ball and Ben Heeney – neither of whom have been able to stay healthy or productive enough over their tenure.

Last year’s sixth round pick, Cory James is also on the roster, but is still working on developing his game enough to be more than a bit player.

To put it bluntly, the Raiders still need a lot of help. They need some linebackers who can play the run and the pass equally as well, and help elevate this defense as a whole.

Harris made such an impression at rookie mini-camp that the team signed him to a three-year deal. But we all know how contracts work in the NFL. With absolutely no guaranteed money in his deal, it wouldn’t be difficult to move on from Harris in the event he doesn’t flash as well during the rest of the offseason program.

If he is able to prove his mini-camp performance wasn’t a fluke though, the Raiders may have found a terrific hidden gem this year. At 6’1” 220 lbs., Harris has shown an ability and a desire to play the run well – though, he may want to pack on some weight to help him deal with linemen and running backs who weigh more than he does.

But most importantly for the Raiders, he’s also shown an ability to play the pass very well. At Wagner, he routinely did a good job of shutting down opposing tight ends and making great use of his speed – he ran a 4.59 40 at his pro day.

He’s got the size and speed to play on the inside and at the very least, could be a very valuable depth addition to Oakland’s linebackers group.

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