Las Vegas Raiders fill roster holes in early 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 02: Brandon Smith #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after tackling Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 2, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders fill roster holes in early 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft

player. 806. . Linebacker. Nittany Lions . Brandon Smith. 58

Denzel Perryman and KJ Wright have filled in nicely to help the Raiders at the second level of their defense, but neither are long-term answers. It would be nice to have a centerpiece in the middle of the defense that can bring a blend of power, athleticism, and physicality.

That is a perfect definition of who Penn State’s Brandon Smith is as a player. At 6’3 and 240 pounds, Smith was reportedly clocked at a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash back in high school, and his speed has translated to his career at Penn State.

He can be a sideline to sideline type of linebacker, and when he hits an opponent, they do not forget it. Also, with his speed and size, he has a ton of potential to be excellent in pass coverage.

Opinions on Smith have been all over the place as I’ve seen him in the first round, then all the way to late second as we have him here. There is a rawness to his game that needs to be worked out, but all the traits are there for him to be an elite player in the NFL, and it is a risk the Raiders should take if possible.

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