2023 7-round Mock Draft: Raiders hit the reset button at QB

6 of 10

Nov 12, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Jalen Graham (6) reacts after a defensive stop during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 7-round Mock Draft: Raiders hit the reset button at QB

848. . LB. Boilermakers . Jalen Graham. 133. player

Linebacker was supposed to be a position of strength for the Raiders’ defense this season but that has not been the case with Denzel Perryman in and out of the lineup and Divine Deablo struggling in pass coverage all year long. This is why a player like Jalen Graham makes sense with the 133rd overall pick as the Raiders try to address the position with one of their mid-round draft picks.

Graham is a former safety who has filled out nicely at 6-3, 220 lbs, and excels in pass coverage, an area where the current Raiders linebackers have really struggled. He projects as a weakside linebacker who can cover backs out of the backfield or opposing tight ends with his speed and agility.

There are some concerns about Graham being a little light to play consistently in the box but the Raiders need more team speed and coverage ability on defense first and foremost. He could benefit from an NFL strength and conditioning program to put on some weight but he could be the Raiders’ best coverage linebacker if he walked into the locker room today.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders Draft