As the draft progresses, Ryan Smith, Michael Larson, and Giovanni Militano will break down each of Oakland’s picks. They will be asked if they liked the pick, if the player will make an immediate impact on the team, if there’s another player they liked more, and how they’d grade the selection. This is the official draft reaction page for the Raiders department of Last Word on Pro Football.

Oakland Raiders Fifth Round Draft Reaction

With the 168th Pick in the Fifth Round, the Oakland Raiders Select… Marquel Lee, Linebacker, Wake Forest

1. Do You Like the Pick?

Smith: Yes

Larson: Yes

Militano: Yes

2. Why or Why Not?

Smith: The Raiders need depth at linebacker, and right now the position is a mess. He’s not Jarrad Davis or Zach Cunningham, but he’s a thumper.

Larson: The Raiders needed linebacker help more than anything especially at this moment in the draft. As of now, Ben Heeney is the Oakland Raiders starting inside linebacker, which is unacceptable.

Militano: Marquel Lee fills a position of need. At worst, he should become a special teams contributor as a rookie. The Raiders need linebacker help.

3. Will This Player Make An Immediate Impact on the Team?

Smith: Probably. The Raiders are so thin inside that he’ll definitely see the field at some point.

Larson: No. Immediate impact? Probably not, but as of now, expect to see Lee on the field starting at the inside linebacker spot during the season sometime.

Militano: Possibly. Oakland doesn’t have an answer in the middle but players like Ben Heeney and Cory James will be competing. Marquel adds depth and competition is always good.

4. Is There Another Player You Wanted Instead, and If So, Who?

Smith: No.

Larson: No.

Militano: No.

5. Grade

Smith: C+. He’s already the team’s biggest linebacker, and with all of the defensive backs they have brought in, Oakland needs a run stop specialist.
Larson: B-. Marquel Lee has good size for a “Mike” at 6’3″ 240 pounds, and knows the position well. Defending the run was a struggle last year and Lee will help that if given the opportunity. He will need to improve his pass defense.

Miitano: B+. Linebacker was arguably the Raiders biggest draft need. With the selection of Marquel Lee, they have selected a good player that might contribute in a big way.

Main Photo: