Las Vegas Raiders: 2020 NFL Draft late-round sleeper targets

A tackling machine out of Cal, Evan Weaver was able to reel in 181 total tackles (103 solo) in his senior season. Even though his combine performance did not stand out or make big splashes like many other 2020 NFL draft prospects, Weaver has settled his stock and role in the NFL with his play at Cal.

Weaver is a player who is going to give beyond-maximum effort every single snap, something that should be held with extreme value at the middle linebacker position. His combination of rageful-pursuit and football IQ make him a tackling machine reminiscent of retired Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Even though his 4.76 40, 15 bench reps and 32-inch vertical don’t jump off of the page, his game tape at Cal indicates a much more capable player than what can be tangibly measured. In the middle of the defense, Las Vegas currently has a true ‘black hole.’ A player like Weaver could take advantage of the opportunity and fill in as the starter from day one, showing off that same tenacious attitude that made him so successful at Cal.

Even though the Las Vegas Raiders may be looking to inherit the flash and glamour of their new home in the identity of their football team, there is a defined grit and grind behind the Raider brand. Weaver is a perfect culmination of that identity and could fill their gap at middle linebacker from day one on a cap-friendly rookie contract.