Oakland Raiders: What needs remain after the 2019 NFL Draft

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Tahir Whitehead #59 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

Will the Oakland Raiders ever take a linebacker in the draft? No matter what regime the Raiders are under the position always gets neglected. It’s just always band aids and patches from free agency. That’s why they signed Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall this offseason.

Last season it was Tahir Whitehead and Derick Johnson, who didn’t even make it half the season before requesting his release.

Linebacker currently isn’t a glaring need, but it’s still a need. Gruden and Mayock have to draft one at some point. Hopefully it is next season when the draft will be at their new home in Las Vegas. The defense will be able to get by with the current core they have now, but they don’t have anyone who’s a long term option.

Next. Raiders not given much a chance to make playoffs. dark

Marquel Lee and Nicolas Morrow can quell concerns this season if they can play at a high level. Lee was one of the Raiders’ best linebackers last season, so there is hope for him to step up in 2019. Still, sooner or later there needs to be a long term solution at linebacker. Addressing it through free agency every season isn’t efficient nor sustainable.

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