2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 1.0
By Sean Dyer
10. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. 28. Georgia. Roquan Smith. player
The Oakland Raiders need to improve their defense at all three levels. This offseason, the Raiders have added Rashaan Melvin, Shareece Wright, and Marcus Gilchrist to their secondary and Tahir Whitehead, Kyle Wilber, and Emmanuel Lamur to their linebacking corps. However, they also lost defensive lineman Denio Autry and cornerback T.J. Carrie.
Khalil Mack needs help along the defensive line, someone needs to man the middle of Oakland’s defense, and the secondary needs more help after the Raiders released Sean Smith and David Amerson.
Not to say Mack doesn’t need help, but the defensive line is not a glaring need thanks to 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. With Denzel Ward off the board, the next best cornerback is Josh Jackson. Although Jackson would certainly be an upgrade for the black and silver, putting Roquan Smith in the middle of the defense would have the biggest impact for the Raiders.
Smith has sideline to sideline speed, is a sure tackler, and what really separates himself from other linebackers is his instincts. Smith always seems to be at the right place and the right time and makes plays all over the field.
NaVorro Bowman was a band-aid at middle linebacker for Oakland last season. They can now let him walk in free agency and add a young player who could remind them of Bowman in his prime.