The Raiders need more talent at the middle linebacker position, and here are five draft prospects the team should target in the first two rounds.
The Oakland Raiders head into the offseason with some glaring needs on defense, and one of those spots just happens to be at middle linebacker. There are plenty of talented middle linebackers in this draft class, and with two of the first 42 picks, the Raiders are certain to grab one.
Virginia Tech linebacker Trumaine Edmunds is listed as an outside linebacker, so he is not included in this list. The team may end up drafting him in the first round, but this article is focused around who they can bring in to team with NaVorro Bowman on the inside. That is, of course, if the team decides to bring Bowman back.
New defensive coordinator Paul Guenther places a lot of responsibility on the linebacking unit, as he likes to rush four up front. Getting the right player via the draft is crucial to the Raiders, and these next five draft prospects all have an either first, or second round grade.
Oakland has not drafted a middle linebacker in the first round since 2010, when they drafted Alabama’s Rolando McClain sixth overall. He played only three seasons with the team, and is currently serving an indefinite suspension by the NFL.
Most mock drafts have the team taking Roquan Smith from Georgia in the first round, but that is all hearsay until the Raiders hand in their card on April 26 with their first round pick on it.
Oakland needs depth in the middle of their linebacking group, and here are five prospects who can help them immediately.