2018 NFL Mock Draft: With Jets win, QB no longer guaranteed

By Brad Weiss | Sep 27, 2017

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – SEPTEMBER 16: Micah Kiser #53 of the Virginia Cavaliers pumps his fist as he walks off the field with head coach Bronco Mendenhall after a game against the Connecticut Huskies at Scott Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Micah Kiser

Linebackers, Virginia

The Oakland Raiders looked so good through the first two weeks of the NFL season that many believed they were headed to the Super Bowl. However, they laid an egg in their Week 3 loss to the Washington Redskins, and now there are more questions than answers on their roster. They need to get it together heading into Week 4, where they will hit the road to take on the Denver Broncos.

One area of need for this Raiders roster is at linebacker, and that especially goes for the middle of their defense. Micah Kiser from Virginia is a good looking middle linebacker prospect, and could give the Raiders a weapon they have not had in a long time at the position. There is so much talent on the offensive side of the ball in Oakland, so bolstering that defense has to be a priority in round one.

The Raiders have spent countless first round picks on their defense, though they have picked defensive backs first in the last two drafts. Both Gareon Conley and Karl Joseph look like legitimate players, so the future looks bright for the team back there. If they can add a true playmaker in the middle of their defense next April, they would have to consider that first round pick to be a win for the organization.

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