Oakland Raiders: 5 Sleepers to target in 2018 NFL Draft

2. Oren Burks, LB, Vanderbilt

Whether they re-sign NaVorro Bowman or not, the Oakland Raiders have needs across the linebacker position. The addition of Tahir Whitehead will certainly help, but the Raiders clearly lack impact talent and legitimate depth at the linebacker position.

They could easily look to address their need at linebacker in the early rounds. Someone like Roquan Smith or Tremaine Edmunds would make plenty of sense for the Raiders with their 10th overall selection. However, whether they take an early round linebacker or not, Oren Burks is a sleeper prospect who they should consider.

Burks is an extremely athletic linebacker prospect who shows impressive natural movement ability. He gets from “Point A” to “Point B” quickly, consistently putting himself in a position to make plays both as a run defender and in pass coverage.

Burks is a bit of a tweener prospect who does not have ton of experience playing any one specific position. However, in today’s NFL where versatility is incredibly important, Burks has the ability to make a big-time impact at the next level.

Make no mistake about it, Burks is an incredibly talented player who has impressive upside as a defender at the next level. At worst, Burks will be a big-time special teams asset, but his defensive ability is exciting as well. Burks is an interesting late-round player who should undoubtedly be on the minds of the Oakland Raiders as the draft winds down.