I have gone back and forth all offseason on if I believe the Raiders should draft Kenneth Murray, the talented linebacker from Oklahoma. The reality of the matter is that it does not matter what I think about the pick in the slightest, and Gruden and Mayock appear to love Murray based on his play, and his character.
With the release of Tahir Whitehead and a number of holes to fill at linebacker, I believe it is almost a lock that the Raiders will draft a linebacker with this pick. The pick is likely between Murray and LSU’s Patrick Queen, and although Queen is better in coverage, Murray has sideline to sideline speed, a great motor, and a great story, something Mayock and Gruden love.
Even if the team selects Murray, they will not be done with the linebacker position, as it is a group that should be targeted in the draft, and in free agency. We are going to see three new starters lineup in Paul Guenther’s 4-3 scheme next season, and Murray would look nice in the middle.