Raiders 2018 NFL Draft: 5 ILBs to target in the first two rounds

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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) /

The favorite pick for the Raiders in most of the NFL mock drafts going around is Georgia middle linebacker Roquan Smith, and for good reason. Many feel he is the best inside linebacker this draft class has to offer, and his play during his time at Georgia was something to see last season.

The Most Valuable Player of the SEC title game, Smith capped off a season that saw him named the Butkus Award winner by leading his team to the national title game. As he heads into the 2018 NFL Draft, he is rated a top-10 pick, and he could be the tenth overall selection to the Raiders.

Smith really has a nose for the ball, and is one of the smartest linebackers in this draft class. He has the kind of motor you look for in a middle linebacker, and is not afraid to come in and really hurt people with his tackling prowess.

The NFL Scouting Combine was a bit of a wash for Smith, who did not bench because of his shoulder. Still, he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash before hurting his hamstring, and is still projected to go very high. He has not met with the Raiders yet, which is a bit of a shock, but he has to be in their plans.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders 3-round mock 1.0

No matter who the team decides to bring in to play the position next season, they better be ready to contribute right away. Luckily for the Raiders, this draft class is loaded with players who can come in and play, as the team tries to make the position a strength for the first time in a long time.

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