Oakland Raiders: Handing out grades for the team’s 2018 draft picks

Oakland came into the draft with the need to pick up an inside linebacker. Despite adding Tahir Whitehead, Emmanuel Lamur, and Kyle Wilber to a room that already included Cory James, Marquel Lee, and Nicholas Morrow, the need for an inside backer remained a priority.

Unfortunately, the Raiders wrapped up the draft without adequately addressing the position, leading to much consternation among the fans.

At six-foot-two, 240 pounds, he’s got decent size, and having run a 4.7, he’s got respectable speed.

After breaking his leg late in the 2016 season, Victor saw his draft stock plummet after a series of self-inflicted wounds. A DUI charge, a gain in weight that impacted his play, and a lack of effort that led to him losing his starting job led to a very sub-par senior season in Washington.

However, Victor has some quality tape and outstanding play in his background. His sophomore and junior seasons – up until he broke his leg – showed how versatile and athletic he is. He never quit on plays and though he lacks elite speed, made up for it with effort, often chasing down plays from the backside.

Victor has some solid natural instincts and an ability to quickly diagnose a play, is very physical at the point of attack, and is a reliable tackler. He’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anybody, and is decent enough in coverage.

But, it’s all going to come down to effort. Will the Raiders be getting the hungry player he was as a sophomore and a junior? Or the one who coasted through his senior season, putting in minimal effort.

He’s going to have to make his bones on special teams, though McKenzie was quick to say he’ll compete for rotational space with the linebackers.

If Victor regains his 2015 and 2016 form, he could see some consistent reps in Oakland’s second level of defense, as the need is currently great. If he maintains his 2017 form though – who knows?

There are a lot of question marks with this pick. Perhaps, too many.

GRADE: C