There are a couple of ways the Raiders could go with the No. 10 overall pick, but the consensus from the experts put Roquan Smith as the pick here. Smith is the inside linebacker that this franchise so desperately needs, especially considering the Raiders still do not have NaVorro Bowman under contract for next season.
In free agency, Oakland did bring in talent in the middle of their defense, signing former Detroit Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead. Still, he is more of a complimentary player, which makes grabbing a middle linebacker in the first or second round so crucial in April.
Smith is no ordinary collegiate linebacker. During his time at Georgia, he developed himself into one of the best defensive prospects in college football, playing his best games under the brightest lights. Last season alone, Smith was the Defensive MVP of the SEC title game, and the Rose Bowl.
The big thing that jumps out at you when you see Smith is his speed, as he has the ability to track down running backs. In addition, he is the kind of player who can play sideline to sideline, making him almost impossible to shut down for four quarters.
The Raiders do need help on the interior of their defensive line, and they could go that route with pick No. 10. For now, especially without Bowman in the fold, Smith looks like the safest pick this early in round one.