The Raiders have needed a true middle linebacker for a very long time. They tried to address the position years ago with the drafting of Rolando McClain, but he flamed out. Nick Roach was supposed to be the guy, but he got injured and never lived up to his potential with the Raiders.
The team has signed two new linebackers this offseason in Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall, but they are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning and a long-term answer is still needed.