2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl 53 edition

24. Oakland Raiders (via Chicago Bears): Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

With the pick the Oakland Raiders got for Khalil Mack, they could look to add more to their defense — which was an incredibly sore spot last year. What’s been bad even beyond that has been the play of their linebackers, which is something they have to solve.

Here at No. 24, they try and do that by taking Mack Wilson, the middle linebacker from Alabama. Wilson went back and forth with his decision about going pro but finally decided just before the deadline to do so. It seemed a little surprising as he was apparently leaning toward staying — according to his mother. On top of that, he wasn’t very impressive during the National Championship game against Clemson.

That seemed to be the norm for the entire Alabama team as the Tigers just dominated the game. Throwing that one out, the tape shows a linebacker who is disciplined and instinctive. And most importantly, he can play coverage.

In the AFC West, there are some pass-happy teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. Those two clubs have serious threats at tight end — like Travis Kelce and Hunter Henry — and a guy like Wilson can go a long way toward helping Oakland’s chances in those games.