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Oakland Raiders: Inside linebacker options after Day 1

By Austin Gayle

Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevich (8) reacts after a turnover on downs against the Memphis Tigers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Temple Owls won 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevich (8) reacts after a turnover on downs against the Memphis Tigers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Temple Owls won 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) during the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) during the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Scooby Wright III, Arizona 

Former Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III had one of the best seasons as inside linebacker in NCAA history in 2014, as he accumulated 163 total tackles (99 solo), 29 tackles for loss, and14 sacks, via ArizonaWildcats.com. Rightfully so, Wright was then awarded the Rotary Lombardi Award, the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, and the Chuck Bednarik Award.

Unfortunately for Wright, his spike in success has now been overshadowed by his underwhelming, injury-plagued season in 2015. Due to a combination of two lower leg injuries, Wright had just 23 combined tackles in three games, per CFBStats.com.

Also, Wright lacks the ideal quickness and hip fluidity to consistently make plays in coverage, as he has proven that he can be a liability in both man and zone coverage. 

Having been scrutinized for his below-average speed and athleticism, Wright published a letter that highlighted the many reasons why he should be welcomed into the NFL.

"“Look, I’m a football player, plain and simple,” Wright said, via ThePlayersTribune.com. “Put me in sweats and ask me to run in circles around cones, and I’ll do an okay job. But put me in pads and ask me to lead your defense, and there’s a lot of evidence that I can help you win.”"

Wright is correct in the sense that he is an extremely talented football player with the motor and instincts necessary to blow up the stat sheet at the next level, but he can’t ignore the fact that his limitations as an athlete and his recent injury history will have a negative effect on his draft stock.

Though he doesn’t necessarily have Heeney’s athletic ability, Wright displays his sheer passion and effort on the field in a very similar way that Heeney did with Kansas. In Oakland, the two highly energetic linebackers could develop into an exciting tandem in the NFL, as Wright would likely rotate in on early downs while Heeney takes over in passing situations. Look for Wright to come off the board sometime during Day 3 of the NFL draft.

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