With an extended window to examine tape of this year's undrafted free agent (UDFA) pool, we could be in store for some of the largest UDFA signing bonuses in the history of the league.
It's surprising then, that several names have started to leak out regarding the interest in certain undrafted players.
In particular, it seems the Raiders are targeting linebackers, probably looking to add depth to the core player and supplement the likely departure of Thomas Howard.
A few names that have surfaced: Mario Harvey, Cobrani Mixon, and Darnell Bolding.
Mario Harvey might be one of the hotter names still available and would be a good fit as a fifth linebacker for the Raiders. Harvey is a short linebacker with good instincts. He timed well, but is slower in pads. He's known to be an aggressive tackler.
Cobrani Mixon is a light inside linebacker and lacks range and speed, but could be effective if he adds bulk. He was very productive at Kent State. An ideal developmental player.
Darnell Bolding was college defensive end and weighs between 215 and 230 pounds. If he projects at all it is as an outside linebacker. He lacks speed and wasn't terribly productive as a college player.
Bolding had a workout scheduled with the Raiders during the brief period the lockout was lifted and has been training with Darnell Dockett.
While interest doesn't always translate into signing a player, it is a good indicator of where the team thinks it needs to add depth. Given these players are all linebackers and not all are top UDFA targets, it would be safe to assume the Raiders are worried about their depth at the position.
It's surprising then, that several names have started to leak out regarding the interest in certain undrafted players.
In particular, it seems the Raiders are targeting linebackers, probably looking to add depth to the core player and supplement the likely departure of Thomas Howard.
A few names that have surfaced: Mario Harvey, Cobrani Mixon, and Darnell Bolding.
Mario Harvey might be one of the hotter names still available and would be a good fit as a fifth linebacker for the Raiders. Harvey is a short linebacker with good instincts. He timed well, but is slower in pads. He's known to be an aggressive tackler.
Cobrani Mixon is a light inside linebacker and lacks range and speed, but could be effective if he adds bulk. He was very productive at Kent State. An ideal developmental player.
Darnell Bolding was college defensive end and weighs between 215 and 230 pounds. If he projects at all it is as an outside linebacker. He lacks speed and wasn't terribly productive as a college player.
Bolding had a workout scheduled with the Raiders during the brief period the lockout was lifted and has been training with Darnell Dockett.
While interest doesn't always translate into signing a player, it is a good indicator of where the team thinks it needs to add depth. Given these players are all linebackers and not all are top UDFA targets, it would be safe to assume the Raiders are worried about their depth at the position.
[...] once the market for hidden gems–otherwise known as undrafted free agents–opens, Oakland will be aggressive in their pursuit of linebackers.Eventually we’ll go a full 24 hours without a comment from anyone regarding Tiki Barber and [...]
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