Marquel Lee release another blemish on Raiders 2017 draft class

Marquel Lee release another blemish on Raiders 2017 draft class

The Good: Marquel Lee

You might look at this and think, really? Marquel Lee is the only good thing from the 2017 class? Unfortunately, yes. Lee was selected in the fifth round,168th overall, and has carved out a decent career as a reserve linebacker for a team very hungry for competent play at the position.

In three seasons, Lee has started 19 games, played in 34, recorded 104 tackles and 6 tackles for loss during that span. The Raiders were never under the impression that he was a true starter at the position, but he did his best when called upon and it’s an achievement for him to still be in the league despite his late selection.

Lee’s time with the Raiders is likely over for good, but in a league with such high turnover at the linebacker position and the need for contributors on special teams, he should be able to bounce back quickly and find a new home. The Raiders will have to lean on one of their young draft picks or undrafted free agents to fill his role but that may have been their plan from the start of the offseason.

To be cut from a team that has been desperate for linebacker depth is pretty telling.