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Raiders 2018 NFL Draft: 5 potential first-round picks

By Brad Weiss

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 4: A. J. Turner No. 25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is tackled by Roquan Smith No. 3 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 4: A. J. Turner No. 25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is tackled by Roquan Smith No. 3 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield No. 6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to avoid a sack by linebacker Roquan Smith No. 3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield No. 6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to avoid a sack by linebacker Roquan Smith No. 3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The best linebacker in this draft class is Roquan Smith, and boy do the Raiders need one. The new defensive coordinator places a ton of responsibility on the inside linebacker position, and adding a player like Smith to a unit that may include NaVorro Bowman will make the group solid next season.

When it comes to Smith, there is nothing that he does not do well. He is not only good against the run, but also the pass, and can get after the quarterback.

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We know about the talent the Raiders have on offense, but they have a very good opportunity to solidify a weak spot on the defense with their early pick. Sure, finishing 6-10 last season was a tough pill to swallow, but they can make up for it by hitting a home run with their top-10 pick in April.

All three levels of the defense need work, but when it comes to the Raiders defense next season, inside linebacker is going to be key. Smith is the kind of player that can come in and be a star right away, and Raider Nation needs a player with his motor in the middle of their defense.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: 5 RB targets after first round

In a perfect world, Smith would be available to the Raiders when they pick, and they can get the inside linebacker Guenther needs to make this defense tick next season. Smith can do it all, and the Raiders need him. Seems like a match made in Heaven.

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