Oakland Raiders: Ronald Powell visits with Oakland ahead of draft

Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Ronald Powell (7) reacts during the second half of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders have been continuing their evaluation process ahead of early May’s NFL Draft, reportedly looking at late round passing options judging by their latest visit to hit the rumor mill.

According to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun and The National Football Post, Ronald Powell visited the Oakland Raiders as well as also working out for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts.

"University of Florida outside linebacker Ronald Powell has visited the Oakland Raiders and conducted private workouts for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts, according to a league source.He’s also drawn interest from the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints."

Powell was excellent as a freshman finishing with 32 tackles and six sacks after being one of the most highly touted recruits in the country before signing for Urban Meyer’s Gators, but tore his ACL in 2012 before he fell out of the Gators picture as he struggled to adapt to a new system after Urban Meyer was replaced by Will Muschamp.

Regardless of his struggles in college after his promising start, teams like Powell’s size (6’3, 237 pounds) and the speed of a pass rusher who posted a 4.65 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. With the Raiders already hitting a home run last season in the third round with Sio Moore, it is possible that Reggie McKenzie might be looking to test his degree of difficulty by giving Powell a chance in the NFL. If healthy and fully healed there is a chance that Powell could be a steal for an NFL team come the sixth or seventh round in May.