The Las Vegas Raiders eventually found stability at the linebacker position, but after an injury-plagued year, the team would play two rookies until the end of the season.
The linebacker position has also lost four players in free agency. Unless they re-sign a few players, the Raiders will remain very thin at the linebacker position.
Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler and his staff have been busy evaluating a handful of players through free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft and strengthening positions quickly.
In the meantime, we’re working with SI’s Draft Bible to get an update on potential linebacker prospects the Raiders might consider drafting.
“We will continue to find players who fit what we are looking for and continue to build this team with our vision.At the same time, our goal is to win football games. It’s about improving,” Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler said.
Linebacker Henry To’o To’o, Crimson Tide, Alabama
Alabama’s starting WILL (middle linebacker) Henry To’o To’o is a valuable option for swapping, filling or improving linebacker positions.
To’o To’o is 6-2, weighs in at 228 pounds, and is a long athletic linebacker who can reach running backs and tight ends quickly.
“In coverage, To’o To’o brings speed, carrying slots and tight ends up to the seams. He’s physical and has the ability to shock blockers,” Draft Bible says To’ o Describes To’o. “A clever linebacker who communicates and sets up defense before the snap.”
Alabama’s product excelled in the run game due to his ability to pass blockers and stop runs.
But the concern with To’o To’o’s play is his second guess to attack first.
In movies, he usually goes after Ran first.
His last season at Alabama was a big improvement, but he missed easy tackles at bad angles, missing 16 times last season and 19 times in 2021.
To’o To’o could fall to the Raiders on Days 2 and 3 of the draft, depending on how their linebackers are picked.
If so, they’ll get an athletic linebacker with plenty of speed and strength in a much-needed position.
Small flaws can be fixed at the next level, but development may take longer.
“He needs to improve his handling skills to be on the field consistently. His speed should make him a special teams contributor,” added Draft Bible.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 27 at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, and runs through rounds five through seven on Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.
The NFL Scouting Combine will take place February 28-March 6, 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
March 13-15 is free agency negotiations. From 12:00pm EST on 13th March to 3:59:59pm EST on 15th March, the Club will be in touch with the accredited agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents at the end of 2022 to sign contracts. Allowed to initiate negotiations. The player will sign on March 15th at 4pm.
The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency Period begins March 15 at 4:00 PM ET. The Raiders are expected to be a significant player in the free agent market this season.
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