2018 Raiders NFL Draft: 5 Potential first round picks

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Jarrett Stidham No. 8 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Roquan Smith No. 3 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Roquan Smith is the top linebacker in this draft class for most of the draft experts I follow and read. And although I gave him the number two spot, it more of a 1a and 1b scenario when it comes to draft night.

Smith was the best linebacker in the country last season, leading one of the best defenses in college football at Georgia. He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, won the Dick Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker, and was a consensus All-American.

His speed and instincts were unlike any player in the country this season. The ability to quickly diagnose plays and get to his necessary spots make Smith NFL ready from the start. He is a three-down linebacker and has no problem covering backs out the backfield.

I remember a play in particular during the National Championship game against Alabama that highlighted his coverage skills perfectly. On 3rd and 3, Smith avoided a pick route and was fast enough to come back downhill and stop running back Bo Scarbrough for no gain. It was truly incredible.

One thing scouts point to with Smith is that he is a little undersized at 6’1 to play middle backer. However, I think he compares favorably to Atlanta Falcon’s Deion Jones who is also undersized. Both can combat their lack of height with great quickness and the ability to slip blockers.

Also, even if the Raiders deem him too small to play in the middle, he can easily transition to weakside backer. Smith will be a great player regardless and would be perfect for the Raiders.

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