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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
Dec 17, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Kyle Wilson (15) celebrates after a play with Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Xavier Woodson-Luster (55) in the second half against the UCF Knights at Citrus Bowl Stadium. The Arkansas State Red Wolves won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Woodson-Luster (LB)

At 6’1” and just 214 lbs., Woodson-Luster is going to need to pack on some weight if he hopes to have a lengthy stay in the NFL.

But there is little question that the Arkansas State product is a physical and active linebacker who’s played the run and the pass pretty well over the course of his college career.

As a senior, Woodson-Luster recorded 95 tackles – five for a loss – and forced two fumbles. As a junior, he had 71 tackles – 5.5 for a loss – had two picks, two forced fumbles, and a sack. He was named second team All Sun Belt two years in a row – 2015 and 2016.

Oakland Raiders
May 5, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. (left) and coach Jack Del Rio react during rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Woodson-Luster posted a less than stellar 4.77 40 time at his pro day, but scouts agree that he plays faster than that. He’s very active and a capable run defender and does a good job of picking up his coverage in pass defense and makes some terrific plays in the open field.

The biggest knock on him to this point is that in addition to his low weight, his tackling absolutely must improve. But tackling technique is something that he can improve if he’s coached up by Ken Norton and his staff.

He might not be an immediate impact player for the Raiders. But he very well could turn out to be a solid rotation piece in a linebackers group that needs some strong, fast, capable bodies who can stay healthy, on the field, and be productive – something that’s been lacking over the last few seasons.

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