Raiders should move up in second round for Alabama’s Christian Harris

If the Las Vegas Raiders plan to scrap most of their linebacker group, moving up to draft Alabama’s Christian Harris would be smart.

A position group that isn’t getting a ton of attention for the Las Vegas Raiders is linebacker. That’s rather interesting considering how vital they are in Patrick Graham’s defense. The offensive line and wide receiver corps are getting tons of media coverage, and rightfully so, considering how much improvement they need.

However, when you realize that Graham’s scheme will rely on versatility and constant adjustments, the current group will need a talent infusion. That’s where Harris comes in.

A popular belief among Raider Nation is that their team doesn’t draft linebackers early. It’s a fair point when you look at the Raiders’ draft history. Nevertheless, those were the Raiders of old. This organization has embraced a new identity with general manager Dave Ziegler now at the helm.

That, more than anything, means the Raiders will have a different approach beginning this April. Trading up in the second round to acquire Harris wouldn’t be all that surprising, as it would’ve been two or three years ago.

Let’s face it, most of the Raiders’ linebackers shouldn’t be back. The only exceptions are Nicholas Morrow, who missed 2021 due to injury, and Pro Bowler Denzel Perryman, though he could be cut if the team’s brain trust believes his deficiencies will keep him from being a fit.

KJ Wright, who was a stop-gap solution, likely won’t be back, but Divine Deablo certainly figures to have a bigger role moving forward after showing promise last season.