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2020 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders first round targets

By Jacob Schyvinck

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline during a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline during a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Kenneth Murray 2020 NFL Draft
Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images /

Linebackers

Linebacker is a position that has been neglected by the Las Vegas Raiders for a long time, and it’s been too long since they’ve had a difference-maker at the position. With the top-heavy class, one of their picks could target a top linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft.

12th pick: Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

This may require a trade up by the Raiders, but there is a chance that Isaiah Simmons falls to the 12th pick because of the risk of taking a linebacker early. However, Simmons is more than a linebacker.

Simmons can do it all on defense. When he’s lined up at linebacker, he has outstanding instincts near the line of scrimmage and has the speed to come downhill, close, and finish off plays in the backfield. He can be effective blitzing from that position as well. They shouldn’t limit playing Simmons at linebacker though. He can be great in man coverage against tight ends or slot receivers and has the ability to play on the back end as a safety. Simmons would be an amazing add at this spot.

19th pick: Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

If Simmons isn’t available or isn’t the selection, Kenneth Murray is next up as a first-round target at the 19th spot. Murray isn’t as versatile as Simmons, and may not have the same level of speed, but he packs enough to be a very good linebacker at the next level.

Murray excels coming downhill with his speed and finishing ability as a tackler. He diagnoses plays very well behind the line of scrimmage and has enough speed and ability to play in coverage. Gruden will also like his motor and that he doesn’t give up on plays.

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