Oakland Raiders: A Look At A Few Roster Needs And Potential Draft Fits

Linebacker

Obviously, along with cornerback, this is one position the Raiders should be targeting in the early rounds of the draft.

After passing on Reuben Foster last year – and watching him make plays for the 49ers – the Raiders can’t wait until the fifth and sixth rounds to address their need for a linebacker this year. The overall poor play of the linebackers – until NaVorro Bowman showed up – was only overshadowed by the even poorer play of their corners.

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Cory James and Marquel Lee are not three down linebackers and are liabilities against the pass. Nicholas Morrow was a very nice addition (and a great story), and with another offseason under his belt, he could be a solid player for this team.

But, the team is still going to need a young, playmaking body in the middle of the defense. Assuming they bring Bowman back for another season (they should), their rookie can learn from one of the league’s best at the position and set the team up in the middle very well for some time to come.

The obvious selection for the Raiders at number nine (or ten – but hopefully nine) will be Georgia’s Roquan Smith. At sixt-foot-one, 225 pounds, some might consider him a little bit undersized, but there is no denying the production on the field.

For the Bulldogs this year, Smith tallied 113 total tackles – 10.5 for a loss – 5.5 sacks, and two passes defensed. He was everywhere on the field and did everything for Georgia. He’s got an instinctual nose for the ball and a knack for making plays.

If Smith is there when the Raiders are on the clock, they should not hesitate to snap him right up. They desperately need a quarterback for their defense and Smith has shown that he has the skill set and desire to be just that.

Other Possibilities: Josh Allen, Malik Jefferson, Oren Burks