Comparing Oakland Raiders Linebackers to past greats

Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) talk after a play in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Sio Moore – Connecticut

#55 – Ht. 6-1 – Wt. 245

Taken in the 3rd round of the 2013 draft, Sio Moore finished 2014 on Injured Reserve. While only playing in 11 games, Moore was able to tally 90 tackles, 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble. Draft analyst Mel Kiper said Moore was the best pick of the 2013 draft based on where he was selected. Moore is fast, instinctive and plays with a motor always set in high-gear. He was dinged up a bit last year and it took Mack a bit to establish himself but the San Francisco 49er game gave us a glimpse of what these two linebackers can accomplish together. Both these linebackers together straight-up harassed the offense and played with abandon. Unleashed to play downhill and attack the LOS, Moore should rack up some serious numbers.

His athleticism will allow him to play the pass well and his speed will allow him to chase down running backs and QB’s behind the LOS. Moore’s speed and overall athleticism remind me of a young William Thomas. Thomas was a Philadelphia Eagles player for most of his career but played 2 years for the Oakland Raiders back in 2000 and 2001 when they were last seen making noise in the NFL. Known mostly as a “Coverage” LB, many don’t know that Thomas was a complete LB and could just as easily rush the passer and track down running backs as intercept a pass. Sio Moore has the ability to be a difference maker and paired with Mack, could finally get the Oakland Raiders recognized as an up and coming, dangerous defense.

Next: Raiders Comparisons: Malcolm Smith