It’s no secret that the Raiders have a massive hole at the linebacker position. That is even more so the case after the team released starter Tahir Whitehead earlier in the week. Heading into the 2020 offseason, the Raiders will need to find two starting linebackers, whether that be in the draft or in free agency.
With two first-round picks, the Raiders are expected to use one of those selections addressing that need. But there is a chance that they go in a different direction in April on the first day of the draft.
Today, we are looking at three linebackers that could be had after the first day of the draft that could prove to be steals for the Raiders in 2020.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
One of the most athletic linebackers in the class, Akeem Davis-Gaither is your prototypical linebacker for today’s NFL. Measuring in at 6’1, 224 pounds, he has the size and athleticism of a safety, but the tackling ability of a middle linebacker.
Davis-Gaither recorded 101 total tackles in 2019, including 14.5 for a loss and five sacks. He has unreal sideline to sideline speed and projects as a weakside linebacker in the NFL.
But Davis-Gaither broke his foot before the NFL Combine, and that could cause him to slide on Day 2. If he is available at or near the Raiders collection of third-round picks, he would be a slam dunk pick and an instant starter in Paul Guenther’s defense.
Troy Dye, Oregon
While he may not have the same testing numbers as the other two linebackers on the list, Oregon’s Troy Dye is one of the best coverage linebackers in the entire 2020 draft. He has experience stopping tight ends and can run down the seam with ease against much faster players.
Dye needs to continue to improve as a run defender, but his coverage ability will get him on the field early in his NFL career. Dye projects as a weakside linebacker in the NFL and possesses elite football character and work ethic. Don’t be surprised if he outproduces several linebackers that are drafted ahead of him due to his intelligence and experience.
Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
If the Raiders are looking for a middle linebacker on Day 2, look no further than Texas Tech’s Jordan Brooks. At 6’0, 240 pounds, Brooks ran an incredible 4.54 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Not only is Brooks athletic, but he is also incredibly productive as he recorded 108 tackles and 20 tackles for a loss in just 11 games in 2019.
With his elite athleticism and nose for the football, Brooks has everything you would want in a middle linebacker. He needs to continue to improve in coverage, but Brooks should be a Day 1 starter in the NFL despite potentially being a second or third-round selection.
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