The Las Vegas Raiders will be looking to add defensive talent later this month at the NFL draft. As far as the Georgia Bulldogs go, there’s a couple of options that might entice the Silver and Black.
One of the biggest names we keep hearing coming out of Georgia is defensive back Eric Stokes. He could very well be an option for the Raiders, and he was spotlighted recently here at the Ramble. However, there are two other prospects that might get the attention of Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden. Those options are cornerback Tyson Campbell and defensive lineman Malik Herring, who both would look good in Las Vegas.
Malik Herring, DL
With Herring, the Silver and Black would have an EDGE defender whose biggest strength lies in stopping the run. At six-foot-three and 280 pounds, Herring posted a 78.3 Pro Football Focus grade in the run defense department. Unfortunately, Herring saw a drop in his overall PFF grade from the previous year, dropping from 90.5 to 73.1. However, in ten games this past year, he accumulated four and a half tackles for a loss, two sacks, two passes defensed, and 12 solo tackles.
Nice of Malik Herring to welcome offensive linemen to the Senior Bowl pic.twitter.com/4NPm7KKBpk
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 27, 2021
Solid PFF grades aside, Herring could translate into much more than just a run defender with the Raiders. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley needs a defensive lineman that can get to the quarterback, Herring has the tools to develop into just that. He has enough speed and as you can see above, he’s got footwork and lethal quickness. Drae Harris of The Draft Network feels that Herring’s effort and quickness make his ability to disrupt running lanes his biggest asset coming into the NFL. Under the tutelage of Bradley and Rod Marinelli, he could become a solid run-stopper with occasional pass-rushing flashes.
Who’s the other Bulldog the Raiders should consider?
Tyson Campbell, CB
The second option that the Raiders ought to consider is Campbell, he’d help solidify the cornerback’s room. The speedy defender at one point ran a 40 in 4.27 seconds prior to joining the Bulldogs. In coverage, Campbell was graded 75.4 by PFF along with a 73.6 grade in helping stop the run. He saw mostly played on the outside but did have 44 snaps in manning the slot. In 2020, Campbell appeared in ten games and totaled two and a half tackles for a loss, one interception, and five passes defensed.
Tyson Campbell and Anthony Schwartz both with 4.27s in the 40 😮. pic.twitter.com/zaH0iWM77r
— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) July 2, 2017
At six-foot-two, Campbell certainly has the kind of height and frame the Raiders need. He possesses speed which is something the defensive line desperately needs and would be an ideal third cornerback alongside Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette. Drae Harris of The Draft Network points out Campbell has very good man coverage ability but struggles with situational awareness. Nevertheless, Campbell could be a starting corner on the Raiders, primarily on the outside as Harris alludes to. It’ll be interesting to see if any of these players are on the Raiders’ radar as we inch closer to draft day.
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*Top Photo: John Amis/Associated Press