Raiders Draft: Elite linebacker with high potential at pick No. 38
The Las Vegas Raiders need help on the defensive side of the ball way more than they need help on offense, but, they do need help there as well. The Raiders could use some extra work or help at almost every position on defense, besides the edge, where Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones currently hold […]
The Las Vegas Raiders need help on the defensive side of the ball way more than they need help on offense, but, they do need help there as well.
The Raiders could use some extra work or help at almost every position on defense, besides the edge, where Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones currently hold things down.
The one they could potentially focus on most at pick number 38 is the linebacker spot, where three great linebackers could be available. This season they didn't have one that was just great. They had a few guys who played well every now and then.
So, they need a guy who has elite potential, and Arkansas produced one of those guys last season.
If you follow the SEC or just college football in general then you probably know that almost every year Arkansas produces these linebackers that lead the country in tackles or are pretty close to the top. In the past, they had Grant Morgan and Bumper Pool do that, this last season both Pool and Sanders were top 10 in the SEC in tackles.
With 103 Sanders was fifth in the SEC and is as sound tackler as it gets. He is really one of the more all-around linebackers in football. He can rush the passer, as he finished second in the SEC, tied with Will Anderson, with 10 sacks.
In coverage, he is pretty solid. He has elite sideline-to-sideline speed, but when you start asking him to go upfield, that's where he needs improvement.
Sanders is the 40th-ranked prospect in the draft by Pro Football Focus and the second-highest linebacker by them as well, but, in my opinion, he is the best.
At 6'5" and 230 pounds, Sanders has the size and speed to be an elite linebacker in the NFL.
Let's face it, the last time the Raiders drafted a player from Arkansas, it worked out fairly well in Darren McFadden. I think they should take a flyer on Sanders.
Featured Image Via Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
