Surprisingly, the Oakland Raiders did not select a linebacker in the 2019 NFL draft. Despite linebacker being one of the most significant needs on the team, the Raiders’ front office must have felt good enough about the veterans already on the roster.
However, Oakland didn’t have to spend a pick on the position to find value. The team signed former Notre Dame star Te’Von Coney as an undrafted free agent, and that could prove to be the steal of the draft.
Coney was highly productive for Fighting Irish, totaling 239 tackles over the last two seasons. He recorded 23 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and five pass deflections. Coney was the No. 57 player on Pro Football Focus big board, scoring well in coverage and in run defense.
Coney doesn’t come without concerns. He was arrested and charged with marihuana possession in 2016 and dislocated his shoulder during the next offseason. However, he shouldn’t have fallen out of the draft.
Don’t be surprised if Coney makes the roster and winds up playing meaningful snaps right away for the Raiders. He’s too good of a player to keep off the field, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he’s the team’s starting middle linebacker in 2020.
