Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio State
Reuben Foster fell to the 24th overall pick, which seemed like a dream scenario for many in Raider Nation. But Reggie McKenzie, like 30 other picks eventually did, passed on Reuben. And Jarrad Davis, who was a fan favorite at 24, was already off the board.
So heading into day two of the draft, the Raiders still have a gaping hole at inside linebacker. Raekwon McMillan is the answer.
Raekwon checks all the boxes for Reggie McKenzie when it comes to size, athleticism and experience. He’s physical, a sound tackler and he’s better in coverage than many draft experts give him credit for.
At 20 years old, he was a two-year team captain of a talented defense, and he has a ton of room to grown into that same role for the Raiders. One of my favorites in this class.
Tyus Bowser, LB, Houston
Bowser was considered a fringe first rounder by most, but given his combination of size and athleticism, it would have not been surprising to see a team grab him at the tail-end of the round one.
If Bowser makes it to 56 and ends up being the pick, the Raiders will be getting a 6’3″ 247 linebacker that could essentially be what Bruce Irvin was to the Seahawks in his prime.
Bowser can play off ball linebacker in his first year, and help patch some of the coverage issues this team has had with tight ends. And he can also be utilized as a situational pass rusher, where his elite athleticism could be used in tandem with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin to improve the pass rush, which was dead last in sacks in 2016.
In a year or two, if Bowser continues to devleop — he certainly raw in terms of his technique — he could transition into a full-time pass rusher. Or if he finds success playing off ball linebacker, the Raiders could just keep him there. He’d give the defense options and a ton of upside.