On Monday afternoon, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network mentioned that the Raiders could make a “surprise” selection at No. 4. When pressed about a potential pick, he threw out the name Devin White from LSU.
However, Rapoport isn’t the only person who has mentioned White in connection to the Raiders. ESPN’s Todd McShay, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer have all said that there is a strong possibility of the Raiders selecting White with their first pick.
Would White be a complete surprise at No. 4? No. He’s arguably the best linebacker in the class after being named the 2018 Butkus Award Winner (nation’s top linebacker). He was a consensus All-American and led the SEC in tackles last season.
Where White thrives is in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, White allowed just 0.49 yards per passing snap and allowed just one reception per 17.8 passing snaps. He finished the season with a coverage grade of 91.6, the third-highest in college football.
With elite speed and coverage ability, White would be a perfect fit in Oakland’s defense. While there could be “better” players available, White fills a need and Oakland grabs a player at a position without a lot of depth.
If Oakland decides to pass on a player like Quinnen Williams or Josh Allen, expect it to be in favor of Devin White from LSU.
