2012 NFL Draft: 5 Linebackers the Oakland Raiders Could Draft

Elias Trejo – Mar 28, 2012

The Oakland Raiders have received three compensatory picks for the 2012 NFL Draft. This gives them five total picks in 2012 to work with as they try to reload for the 2012 season. It is very likely that one of these picks could be a linebacker. While it may be hard to find an immediate starter in the 3rd round or later, it is possible. 

Last week I looked at five running back prospects that could be drafted by the Raiders and this week we'll take a look at five linebackers. 

Demario Davis OLB Arkansas State

Davis is a player that is under the radar and should be available later in the draft. He is graded as a 4th to 6th round pick by most experts.  He caught a lot of people's attention in the NFL Combine as he was a top performer in the 40 yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump and 60 yard shuttle. He stands at 6'2" and weighs 235 pounds. 

Davis would make a great addition to special teams and would have to compete for the open spot at outside linebacker. He has the speed and agility to make plays in the NFL.

Brandon Marshall OLB Nevada

Marshall had 102 tackles in his senior season for the Wolfpack. The Raiders are looking for depth at the position and he could provide that for Oakland. Marshall is expected to be available late in the 6th or 7th round. 

Marshall's biggest games came against Hawaii and Boise State where he recorded 23 tackles, one sack and deflected three passes. Marshall may not be able to start on day one, but he could provide depth for Oakland at the position.

Nigel Bradham OLB Florida State

Bradham would be a great catch for the Raiders with their 95th pick. He is graded as a 3rd or 4th round talent by many scouts. He ran a 4.53 40 yard dash and stands at 6'2" and weighs 241. He led the Seminoles in tackles for the three straight years.

Bradham could come in and give the Raiders a possible starter and at the very least a very good special teams player because of his ability. Bradham has the potential to be a solid linebacker in the future and could be on the Raiders draft radar. 

Steve Johnson OLB Kansas

Johnson is a player the Oakland Raiders could pick up in the 6th round of the draft. In his final two years with the Jayhawks he recorded 214 tackles. He may lack strength, but his ball awareness is very good. Players can become stronger in the NFL, but its hard to teach instinct and awareness.

You can't discredit a player who has had solid produciton in his college career. If he is available in one of the later rounds, Oakland will have to take a serious look at him. He stands at 6' and weighs 239 pounds. 

 Terrell Manning OLB N.C. State

Manning is scheduled to go somewhere in or after the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He is an underclassman heading into the draft and could take a year or two to fully develop as an NFL player. He has the size and physical ability to be successful, but may not be able to make an immediate impact.

He is listed at 6'2 and weighs in at 237 pounds. His combine performance wasn't great, but you can't judge a player on his combine performance only.  One of his strengths listed for him is as a run defender which is a positive. 

 

 Information for these prospects were found on NFL.com and WalterFootball.com