3-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders add a QB of the future

Raiders 2023 NFL Mock Draft Round 3

Linebacker has been an infamously terrible position for the Raiders. The biggest deficiency with past and current linebackers for the Raiders is their inability to be effective in coverage. Historically speaking, Las Vegas has never had linebackers that can effectively cover tight ends, as one example.

Just look at what Travis Kelce did to the Raiders earlier this season. Well, despite being a slight reach in the third round, Campbell’s coverage skills are too good to pass up.

At six-foot-five and 243 pounds, Campbell has some of the best closing speed when making plays, and his physical attributes, such as long arms, aid in his tackling by quickly wrapping up opponents. Speaking of his tackling, Campbell has some of the nastiest, most violent tackling of this linebacker class.

Pro Football Focus points to Campbell’s coverage skills this season as a notable strength in his game. So far, he’s earned a 91.8 grade in that particular department. He also holds up well in run defense, according to PFF; a 74.9 grade is solid, all things considered. Campbell has accumulated 260 total tackles so far in his career and has seven pass deflections in the last two seasons. It’s also worth mentioning he returned an interception for a touchdown in 2021.

Possessing solid sideline-to-sideline speed, Campbell does have issues with reacting to the ball, but overall, he’s good at play recognition, especially at defending screens. As you can see in the game against Penn State, Campbell can bring the heat as a blitzer, and that will be of use with the Raiders. While not the perfect prospect, Campell would provide excellent value in the third round.