It’s not hard to make the case that the linebacker position is the biggest weakness on the team. Oakland just hasn’t been able to find any consistent play at that spot over the last ten years, and they are always searching for short-term help.
Luckily for the Raiders, the 2020 draft appears to be loaded with linebacker talent. One such player that will likely garner the team’s interest is Oklahoma’s, Kenneth Murray.
Murray has been a tackling machine for the Sooners, tallying 260 total tackles over the last two seasons. He’s also notched 28.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks as he has been the leader of the Oklahoma defense.
In a recent mock draft by Luke Easterling of the Draft Wire, the Raiders selected Murray with the No. 18 pick in the first round, via the Chicago Bears. Take a look at why the pick would make perfect sense for the Raiders, according to Easterling:
After filling their biggest offensive need earlier in the round, the Raiders need to use their second first-rounder to do the same for their defense. Murray’s instincts and athleticism make him one of the nation’s most complete linebacker prospects.
Murray will get one more chance to show off his elite speed and athleticism this season as his Sooners will take on the LSU Tigers in the Peach Bowl on December 28. With a strong performance, Murray can solidify himself as a top-20 selection in the upcoming draft and a potential candidate for the Raiders in the first round.
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