Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top need for each team

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

28. . Linebacker. . Oakland Raiders. . team

The Oakland Raiders could stand a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball, whose issues have forced the offense to shoulder the majority of the burden this season.

A number of areas pop up, including cornerback and safety, where the Raiders have lacked a rangy playmaking-type defensive back for some time. And while EDGE Khalil Mack has been superb this season, he needs some help within the front seven.

The linebacker spot has been particularly problematic in 2017. We can salute the Raiders for trying to upgrade this unit by grabbing NaVorro Bowman away from the 49ers. But the reality is he’s no longer the same player that made him a perennial All-Pro earlier this decade.

Simply put, he’s good. Not great.

Depending on how the Raiders finish up the season, it’s likely they’ll have a middle-of-the-road pick in the NFL Draft, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see general manager Reggie McKenzie use it to fill this need.