Entering the offseason, you can make a case that linebacker is the biggest position of need for the Raiders. The unit has lacked speed and athleticism for years and has cycled through several aging veterans to find quality play.
However, the team very well may get the chance to upgrade that position this year in the draft as there are a few first-round caliber linebackers that could be available at pick No. 19.
The player that is gaining the most steam in the first round is LSU’s Patrick Queen. After starting just 15 games in his college career, Queen was a full-time starter in 2019, tallying 85 tackles for the Tigers.
Queen had a huge playoff run for LSU, totaling 16 tackles and four tackles for a loss against Oklahoma and Clemson. Take a look at a few of Queen’s best plays against the Sooners from the semifinal round:
Here are some of LSU LB Patrick Queen's best plays vs. Oklahoma: pic.twitter.com/qJZ2qP1z4R
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) February 23, 2020
In a recent article by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, he ranked Queen as the No. 2 linebacker in the class, only behind potential top-five pick Isaiah Simmons. Take a look at Brugler’s thoughts on Queen and his fit in the NFL.
Overall, Queen doesn’t have an extensive resume, but he is an explosive run-and-hit linebacker with excellent mirror skills and the fluidity to turn and run in coverage, projecting as a high-upside NFL starter with every-down ability.
Queen is the perfect fit for the Raiders defense has he thrives running from sideline to sideline. While he may still need some seasoning, he is clearly an ascending player whose best football is still ahead of him. If Queen is available at pick No. 19, it would be a slam-dunk pick for the Raiders. Don’t be surprised if he even gets some buzz at pick No. 12 after the NFL Combine.
[vertical-gallery id=60514]
[lawrence-newsletter][lawrence-newsletter]