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2015 NFL Draft Results: Raiders select LB Ben Heeney in Round 5

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The Oakland Raiders have used the first of their fifth round selections to take the linebacker from Kansas, Ben Heeney.

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders have used the 140th pick of the 2015 NFL Draft to take Kansas linebacker Ben Heeney. The Raiders need more depth at linebacker and while Heeney provides that, he was a first team All-Big 12 player who has the potential to develop into a solid starter.

Heeney is 6 foot tall and 231 pounds. He led Kansas in tackles in his senior year with 127. While Heeney is a little undersized, he has a non-stop motor and is an effort guy. Heeney has a tendency to take chances and can fall for misdirection, but he is the sort of guy who can make plays on a regular basis and is always around the football. He is extremely coachable and can be molded into a quality middle linebacker.

Heeney started his entire career and was one of the bright spots on an underachieving Kansas defense. He is a tackling machine and should be able to contribute right away on special teams while being groomed to take over as the Raiders' middle linebacker of the future.