Northern Illinois DT Ken Bishop to visit Raiders

Northern Illinois defensive tackle Ken Bishop is scheduled to meet with the Oakland Raiders on April 15 according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Bishop is projected to be selected in the later rounds and could potentially end up an undrafted free agent.

Bishop originally attended Ellsworth Community College where in 2011, he was named First-Team All-Midwest Football Conference after racking up 67 tackles, two sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. The next year, he transferred to Northern Illinois.

In 2012, Bishop started at defensive tackle for the Huskies compilng 55 tackles and two sacks. Against UMass, he earned MAC West Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording five tackles and a fumble recovery. During the MAC Championship, Bishop started at both defensive tackle and fullback.

Last year, Bishop finished fourth on the team with 59 tackles. He also recorded 1.5 sacks and  5.5 tackles for loss. Against Idaho, Bishop tallied eight tackles and a fumble recovery to earn MAC West Defensive Player of the Week.

Bishop has drawn praise from Huskies Head Coach Rod Carey and opposing coaches. Carey said that when NFL scouts ask about Bishop, he tells them that he has a quick first step and that he uses his hands well. Carey also stated,  "I think he's doing a great job of fundamental football and that's where it starts and ends when you play defensive line."

Akron Head Coach Terry Bowden claimed that Bishop was the best defender in the MAC.

"He's got incredible strength and explosion," Bowden said. "Whether it's against Iowa or us, he has the ability to stick a hand in somebody's chest and just drive them back. Then he separates with great quickness. He's got the whole package."

With only Pat Sims, Antonio Smith and Stacy McGee, the Raiders need more defensive tackles. Wilson could provide depth and learn under both Sims and Smith. While he is small for a defensive tackle (6'1", 308 lbs), his quickness and explosion could lead to success in the NFL.