Pinpointing the top 2020 offseason needs for the Las Vegas Raiders
By Ian Higgins
Linebacker
2019 Personnel: Tahir Whitehead, Vontaze Burfict, Nicholas Morrow
Linebacking has not necessarily been a weak spot for the Las Vegas Raiders, but a lack of young talent has become apparent. In a base 4-3 defense, the linebacking is integral to being a dynamic link between the run and pass defense, operating within both aspects of the game. Vontaze Burfict continued his antics in the 2019 season, finally receiving a season-long suspension at the beginning of the 2019 season.
Both Whitehead and Morrow were within the top-five tacklers on the Raiders roster last season and will stay in their place as the outside linebackers of the 4-3. The void in the middle of this group is still present though, and a versatile young player who can fill multiple roles may be the best option.
Likely the best middle linebacker prospect of the NFL draft, Kenneth Murray is a speedy middle linebacker from Oklahoma who has shown his skills in both coverage and pursuit. This 4.52 forty-time is one of the most valuable traits in a modern middle linebacker, able to keep up with mismatch tight ends as well as get to the hash marks against outside runs and screens.
Murray is not the only legitimate option to address the concerns at middle linebacker in the 2020 NFL draft, with other players such as Jordyn Brooks and Michael Divinity Jr. still being qualified day two options.