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Oakland Raiders: Reggie McKenzie must change draft philosophy on linebackers

By Maurice Moton

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: (L-R) Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis, Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden and Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie look on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: (L-R) Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis, Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden and Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie look on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie isn’t one to draft high at the linebacker position. Could Georgia prospect Roquan Smith force a change in philosophy?

When addressing the linebacker position, Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie prefers a veteran free agent or a middle-round draft pick. He’s attempted to flip castoffs or dig for overlooked gems to place in the center of his defense. Unfortunately, the strategy has failed to produce a long-term solution.

It’s too early to close the door on 2017 fifth-round pick Marquel Lee, but the previous coaching staff didn’t care to put him in too many passing-down situations. The decision either says a lot about his coverage skills or stunts development in a weak area for the Wake Forest product.

Take a glance at McKenzie’s past acquisitions at middle linebacker: Miles Burris, Curtis Lofton, Ben Heeney, Perry Riley Jr., Lee and NaVorro Bowman.

Riley and Bowman finished their campaigns as quality run defenders with some lapses in coverage. The former didn’t play during the previous campaign and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther praised the latter’s ability to immediately take command on defense, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur:

Once Bowman put on a silver and black jersey, he became a tackling machine. He thwarted ball-carriers and filled a void as an on-field coordinator on defense. Throughout his career, the 29-year-old has shown the makings of a savvy middle linebacker with natural read-and-react instincts.

If Bowman and the Raiders come to an agreement on a new deal, the front office should continue to stack talent next to or behind him on the depth chart. After swinging for middle-round prospects at the position, McKenzie should listen to head coach Jon Gruden if consideration on an early prospect comes up in discussion.

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Several early mock drafts have the Raiders connected to Georgia product Roquan Smith, who rose to prominence after a stellar junior season, racking up 137 tackles, 6.5 sacks and grounding ball-carriers all the way through the College Football Playoff Championship Game.

Smith would certainly fill a need with the potential to start Week 1 of the 2018 season. The decision to choose him with the No. 9 or No. 10 pick completely goes against McKenzie’s norm, but it’s justified.

Whether Bowman re-signs or not, Oakland may squeeze another one or two optimal years out of him as he approaches 30 years old in March. Secondly, Smith would add a combination of athleticism and power to the second level of the defense.

You’ll see evaluations that will label the Georgia prospect as an undersized linebacker at 6-1, 225 pounds, but he’s a reliable and explosive tackler even after a long pursuit. The former Bulldog should fare well in nickel packages.

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Smith could be the one prospect in the draft that encourages McKenzie to green light a selection at linebacker in the first round.

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