Raiders work out Washington State University LB Alex Hoffman-Ellis

The linebacker theme continues in Oakland with the workout of the 6,1" 232 lb. Hoffman-Ellis who is a California native from Los Angeles. My good friend Max Strauss of Prointerviews.org broke the news, as he just so happens to be one of the latest of his interviews at 130 you can find HERE. Some of you are already familiar with his site, for others it's worth checking out. This link is a must read interview and contains a good 13 minute clip of Hoffman-Ellis on film.

Turning in a 4.54 40 time at the combine, the fleet-footed and lighter Hoffman-Ellis looks to fill the role of cover backer and would add depth to a linebacker unit in dire need. In 35 games at Washington State, Hoffman-Ellis boasts 33 starts getting 253 tackles, breaking up seven passes, and intercepting four balls with two returned for touchdowns. The Raiders have not had a player of this mold since Thomas Howard. Stryker Sulak and Slade Norris were recent swings and misses to fill this spot, and the team remains very much in need of a backer capable of keeping up with today's faster, tweener TEs, and with Gates, Moeaki regular opponents. It's likely most teams will look to find mismatches at TE this year as well.

Boards are currently projecting him around 15-20th linebacker selected, with CBSsports.com projecting him 158 overall. This draft is looking to be rich with a broad spectrum of linebackers bringing an ever broader array of skill sets, which should serve McKenzie and Allen well this Friday and Saturday.

Thanks also to Max Strauss for providing the images.