The Raiders rumors have been swirling around who the Oakland Raiders will select in the 2018 NFL Draft. A position of much discussion this offseason for Oakland has been linebacker. Khalil Mack is the muscle on the Raiders defense and is arguably their most important player on the team (minus quarterback Derek Carr). Yet, he can't do it alone and despite Oakland signing Tahir Whitehead, there is still a hole at the position. If the Raiders elect to not re-sign linebacker NaVorro Bowman, the Raiders could select a linebacker early in the draft. Here are three linebackers the Raiders could select in the 2018 NFL Draft:
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3.) Malik Jefferson, Texas Longhorns
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Oakland has needed to spend some real draft capital on a linebacker for some time, and Jefferson has all of the tools to be a game breaker against both the run and in coverage. Jefferson is finally starting to live to his potential as a dynamic linebacker, leading the Longhorns in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. Jefferson could be available for the Raiders in the second round.
2.) Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech Hokies
Oakland needs to add talented depth at the linebacker position and Tremaine Edmunds would be a great fit. His NFL Draft stock is soaring due to his size-speed skill set, plus athletic ability. Edmunds crushed the NFL combine showcasing his freak athletic ability. He led the Hokies with 109 tackles, adding 5.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles this past season. If the Raiders want Edmunds they will have to draft him in round one.
1.) Roquan Smith, Georgia Bulldogs
Roquan Smith had an incredible junior season, becoming the first Georgia Bulldog to ever win the Butkus award for best linebacker in college football. He racked up 85 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks along with being named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He was the only defensive player in the country to receive Heisman Trophy votes this year and even received first-place votes. His best game of the season came in the SEC Championship game against Auburn, where he collected 10 solo tackles along with a sack and was named MVP of the SEC Championship Game. Smith is argued to be the best linebacker in the draft and will hear his name called on day one of the 2018 NFL Draft.
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