Silver And Black Pride
Devin White, Elandon Roberts and Jamal Adams have taken the most snaps at linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders this season, and by a wide margin. Adams has played the fewest of those three with 359 defensive snaps, via Pro Football Focus, while Tommy Eichenberg is fourth on the active roster with just 47. Considering White, Roberts and Adams are all on one-year contracts, linebacker is expected to be one of the Raiders’ top needs this offseason.
Luckily, the 2026 NFL draft includes the best linebacker class in several years. For those who are unaware, I’ve been scouting the defensive front seven prospects over the last four years for Bleacher Report, and this crop of second-level defenders has the most top-end talent I’ve seen. So, let’s dive into a handful of backers that Las Vegas should be interested in, including a few guys who will be playing the College Football Playoffs.
2025 Stats: 13 games, 62 tackles, 10 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 2 PDs
Some may consider Reese as more of an edge defender, but regardless of what position he lines up at, there’s no doubt that the Buckeye can play. He’s up there with Jack Campbell as the strongest linebacker at the point of attack that I’ve scouted, allowing him to be an effective run defender. Reese can stun and stand up offensive linemen with his hands like no other.
I have concerns about the Ohio State product in coverage, but he’s an impressive pass-rusher—hence the sack number above and potential move to the edge—to still make an impact on passing downs. The problem is that Reese is trending toward being a top 10 pick, which could make it difficult for him to land in Las Vegas since the organization will be in the mix for a first-round quarterback.
2025 Stats: 13 games, 80 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 INT, 3 PDs
What makes Styles’ production above even more impressive is that he hasn’t missed a tackle this season, according to PFF. Seeing as White (22) and Roberts (18) currently rank second and tied for fourth at the position in missed tackles, the Buckeye would be a welcome sight on the Raiders’ defense.
The former safety is also excellent in coverage, holding the highest PFF coverage grade (87.7) among Big Ten linebackers by over six points. Styles can also play the run, owning the second-best mark (89.8) in that department. He was all over the field during the conference championship and can cement himself as a first-round pick with a strong showing during the playoffs.
2025 Stats: 85 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 PDs
As an impressive athlete, Allen is a good coverage linebacker who can make plays on the ball that are rare for the position. He also has the movement skills to tighten throwing windows, man up against running backs and tight ends, or run the seam when playing Tampa 2. The Bulldog’s run...
