When the Las Vegas Raiders chose safety-linebacker hybrid Tanner Muse with the 100th pick, they missed out on potential star EDGE Alex Highsmith.
Raiders general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden are taking a huge gamble with Muse. They’re banking on him making the transition to linebacker. If he’s not successful, the possibility exists the pick was a waste, a valuable third-rounder no less. Highsmith, on the other hand, would’ve been a much better prospect when you factor in several things.
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Raiders: The Comparison
Muse, for his part, might not be of much use if the linebacker transition doesn’t pan out. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report pointed out shortly after Muse’s selection that he’s “more of a hitter than a tackler.” Also he mentioned Muse will be “limited to a specific need for most teams; doesn’t play much slot or deep safety.” No one’s saying Muse can’t be successful in the NFL. However, there should be a concern if defensive coordinator Paul Guenther can’t put him in a position to succeed.
With the Raiders, Highsmith would’ve been in a good spot to thrive. There are two big reasons for that assumption. First, the addition of veteran coach Rod Marinelli. The former Cowboys defensive coordinator would’ve maximized Highsmith’s talent while having him come along slowly. The luxury of bringing Highsmith along slowly would’ve been afforded by the sudden depth at defensive end for the Raiders. Behind Clelin Ferrell, Maxx Crosby, Carl Nassib, and Arden Key, Highsmith would’ve had time to bulk up. Miller pointed out that Highsmith’s frame was one of his biggest weaknesses, stating “thin frame at 248 pounds projects to a stand-up role only.”
“High Ceiling”
Miller highlighted back in April all of Highsmith’s strengths, which, could’ve benefited the Silver and Black tremendously. He’s an “instinctive athlete” that’s a “former linebacker who knows how to move in space.” Regarding Muse, Miller talked about some speed concerns, “tape looked slow, but his 4.41-second 40-yard dash did not.” While it’s entirely possible Highsmith would’ve had to become accustomed to a hybrid role with the Raiders, at least the potential was there. However, Miller did suggest Highsmith would’ve needed his rookie year to be a “redshirt season” despite the “high ceiling.”
If your defense can get to the opposing quarterback often, and consistently, it will usually translate into wins. Playing in the AFC West against the likes of Patrick Mahomes means pass rush should be near the top of the Raider’s priorities. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that the Raiders missed out on Highsmith as Miller elaborated in conclusion, “His new team is getting a lot of speed and a savvy, instinctive football player.”
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*Top Photo: Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
This is stupid!
How can you already call a re-draft, when Tanner Muse hasn’t even stepped on an NFL field?
It’s more of a case to have drafted Highsmith.
How was highsmith a better choice? Muse comes from a one of the top programs in the country and was a big time playmaker who was moved all over the defense. He was a 3rd team all american on a loaded defense who still found ways to stand out and a team captain (high character guy that Gruden/Maycock love). It is well noted he lacks change of direction speed for a safety hence why we drafted him as lb. We need LBs who can cover and create takeaways and Tanner Muse led the Tigers in INTs while being a versatile piece and a solid tackler.
Good points, fair enough.