Resetting the Las Vegas Raiders biggest needs heading into Day 2 of draft
By Evan Groat
Linebacker
The linebacker position looks much better on paper with the additions of Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton via free agency already this offseason. Marquel Lee and Nicholas Morrow are back for another season as well, so what was once a terrible group at the position has really improved over the last few months.
Adding some depth at linebacker should still be high on the priority list, and luckily for the Raiders, there are some solid options left.
Malik Harrison, Ohio State
Malik Harrison, who was a four-year player at Ohio State, is more of your traditional thumper in the middle of the defense. In his Senior season with the Buckeyes he led the team in tackles (75) and is stout against the run. Harrison added 16.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 4 pass break ups.
If the Raiders are looking for a physical, NFL ready, run stopper to play alongside Kwiatkoski and Littleton then Harrison would be an ideal fit.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
Last year, the Raiders struck gold with small school player Maxx Crosby, and Akeem Davis-Gaither could be that guy this year. Much like Crosby, Davis-Gaither was highly productive at the collegiate level dominating the competition.
He recorded 100 plus tackles in each of his last two seasons at Appalachian State to go along with 28 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 18 passes defended. To say he can do it al is an understatement. Linebackers that can cover would no longer be an issue for the Raiders with Davis-Gaither and Littleton on the field.
Troy Dye, Oregon
What I like most about Troy Dye, is that he played on a big stage for four years at Oregon and was highly productive. A four-year starter for the Ducks, he has plenty of experience making 47 starts in 50 games. He is fast and makes plays against the run and pass.
His career numbers are eye-popping when you look at them, he truly was a do it all player for the Ducks. His Senior season he had 84 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2, forced fumbles, 6 passes defended, and two interceptions. For years, the Raiders have lacked a playmaker at linebacker, Dye would fix those problems.
Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Talk about a tackling machine, as Logan Wilson racked up 421 stops in four years at Wyoming. Wilson loves contact, is a sure tackler, and you will never have to question this guys heart or desire. Gruden and Mayock have talked extensively about looking for guys like fit what they are trying to build, Wilson checks off all those boxes.
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As good as he was against the run, Wilson proved he can handle responsibilities in pass coverage as well recording 10 career interceptions and 24 pass break ups. Wilson is another one of my favorites in this years draft.