Reviewing the Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft

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Oct 25, 2014; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Colby Kirkegaard (11) is sacked by Colorado State Rams linebacker Cory James (31) in the second quarter at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick 194: Cory James, LB, Colorado State

The Raiders waited until the 6th round to take a traditional inside linebacker type, selecting Colorado State’s Cory James in the 6th round. James had a very solid career at Fort Collins, amassing 24 sacks and 41 tackles for loss, but was never at any point the best linebacker even in the Mountain West conference, much less one of the top linebackers in the country or in this draft class.

That said, James is a versatile player who showed great blitzing and even edge rushing ability in College. At 6’0″ and 229 pounds, he’d be considered undersized for an NFL starting linebacker, but he’s a sturdy player with great speed not unlike current Raider Malcolm Smith. It’s likely that James will do most of his contributing on special teams in 2016, but he could have some value down the road as a situational linebacker with his speed and blitzing ability.

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