Oakland Raiders: 5 2018 free agency targets in-house

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman No. 53 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

28. . Inside Linebacker. Penn State Nittany Lions. NaVorro Bowman. 1. player

This is simple. Though he might be up there in age, veteran inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman was an outstanding mid-season acquisition by Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. The San Francisco 49ers wanted to give first-round rookie Reuben Foster a bigger opportunity and cut Bowman after Week 6.

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Almost immediately after joining the Raiders, Bowman proved to be an impactful player. He played his best game of the season in his Raiders debut on Thursday Night Football in Week 7 versus the arch rival Kansas City Chiefs. Bowman would come up with the Raiders’ first interception in a big spot against the Denver Broncos in Week 12.

The biggest reason that Gruden and his staff need to bring back Bowman at least on a one-year deal is for the development of the inside linebacker position. He did great work in bringing along an undrafted free agent in Nicholas Morrow in 2017. Morrow had a successful rookie campaign as a pass defender at inside linebacker.

Next: Oakland Raiders 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Wild Card Weekend

We have to expect that the Raiders will use one of their first three picks on an inside linebacker to help the talent-poor position. There may not be a better veteran in football to groom a young inside linebacker than the former All-Pro with the 49ers in Bowman. Look for him to be back on a one, maybe even a two-year deal.

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