2023 Raiders 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Best Player over Positional Need
When we asked about JL Skinner’s physical attributes and whether he was a linebacker or safety, a player like Shaka Hayward comes to mind as a linebacker with a similar build. Hayward, coming out of Duke University, stands at 6-3 and 240 pounds and played exclusively linebacker while Skinner played safety at Boise State.
The former Blue Devil is a box score stuffer with 200 tackles, 16 1/2 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in his last two seasons. He is a bit older than most of the prospects as a 5th-year senior but his wealth of experience should help him transition to the next level. Scouts consider him a gifted athlete and his speed allows him to cover receivers out of the backfield and chase tight ends up the seam.
They praise him for his physicality at the point of attack and his ability to make plays in the backfield which is evidenced by his high TFL numbers. The reason he is available later in this draft is that his athleticism doesn’t jump off the page and scouts don’t usually love guys that stick around for 5 years at the college level. His maturity and stats make him an intriguing prospect and someone that can contribute right away.