The Raiders have spent a ton of resources and free-agent dollars trying to upgrade their linebacker situation this offseason. Not only did the team sign veterans Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski but they also drafted Tanner Muse in the third round from Clemson.
While Littleton and Kwiatkoski will likely be every-down players for the Raiders this season, there is a chance that another linebacker could work their way onto the field in sub-packages.
For that to happen, a player would need to excel on passing downs to see the field. And the one player who could carve out that role is undrafted rookie free agent Javin White from UNLV.
In Jon Gruden’s recent media availability, White was mentioned as a player who could contribute in the linebacker room as he has already impressed the coaching staff. And in a recent article by Bleacher Report, White was named as a UDFA who could turn heads during camp:
White’s listed as a linebacker above but is really more of a hybrid player who can line up in the secondary too. He had 74 and 79 total tackles during his final two seasons and posted seven interceptions, all while boasting the athleticism of a former receiver. He’s going to have an intriguing case as a hybrid sub-package player who can make big plays all over the field.
White’s best attribute is what he can do in coverage. He has experience playing both safety and linebacker and excels in zone coverage. While it’s tough to expect an undrafted rookie free agent to find a role during their first season, it appears that Gruden is already a fan.
Look for White to fight for a roster spot this season and potentially work his way up the depth chart during camp. If he can earn the No. 4 or No. 5 linebacker spot, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he does find his way onto the field at some point this season.
