Raiders 2018 Draft Pick or Pass: Tremaine Edmunds

While Reggie McKenzie has historically opted to draft linebackers in the middle rounds, the Raiders will have a huge need at the position if free agent NaVorro Bowman does not re-sign with Oakland. One prospect the Raiders could consider with their first round pick is Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.

Would the First-Team All-ACC playmaker be a wise selection for the Raiders at ten overall? The staff at Silver and Black Pride weighs in.

Tyler Green (@TylerGreenSB)

Tremaine Edmunds is widely viewed to have one of the highest ceilings of any player in the NFL Draft as he is just 19 years old. If a team drafts him in the first round, they are picking him for his potential and not for his current production. The problem with this is that teams must nail their first round picks, and drafting for a perceived high ceiling is risky business.

Why should the Raiders gamble on Edmunds potentially becoming a special player when there should already be elite talents available such as Minkah Fitzpatrick, Roquan Smith, and Vita Vea?

Verdict: PASS

RDreamer (@RaiderDamus)

One of the most frustrating parts of watching the Raiders offense in recent years has been the tendency to screw up at the most inopportune moments and give up back-breaking big plays through misplaying angles or a lack of communication. Although Tremaine Edmunds may be one of the most physically gifted and promising players in the draft, he does make plenty of mistakes with his being so young and inexperienced.

That isn’t the sort of gamble the Raiders can afford to take right now. On a team with a solid, veteran-led defense, Edmunds is a luxury they would welcome. In Oakland, we don’t even have a starting middle linebacker, let alone a ton of veterans who can show the young Edmunds the ropes. He’ll be a great player some day in all likelihood, but he’s not a great fit for this team at this time.

Verdict: PASS

BD Williams (@BDWilliams18)

More so than any prospect in the last few years, terms like “high ceiling,” “potential,” and “upside” are used when describing tremendous Tremaine Edmunds. Usually this means two things: 1) Aforementioned player has excellent athletic measurables (height, weight, speed) and 2) he hasn’t put it all together yet. Watching Edmunds on tape is frustrating because for every impact play he makes, he’ll also have an eye violation or late reaction that leads to a big play by the offense.

Most Edmunds apologists will be quick to point out he’s only 19 years old and still learning the game. So then it stands to reason Edmunds might not peak until his rookie contract is up bringing his draft value down. It’s possible he won’t be the player he’s drafted to be until he’s commanding a huge price tag in free agency. Another funny thing about the Tremaine Edmunds hype is he has an older brother declaring for the draft (Terrell Edmunds) who is an even better football player but scouts are too busy drooling over younger brother to notice. Edmunds has top 10 athleticism but not top 10 film. Don’t be surprised if he slides on draft day as most of his hype is likely media fueled.

Verdict: PASS

Ryan Lipton (@Rytime98)

I wouldn’t hate the pick of Tremaine Edmunds and would completely understand Oakland taking him here. However, he is slightly too much of a risk and there should be better prospects available at No. 10 overall.

There is a lot to like about Edmunds with his frame and athleticism, but he is only 19 years old. While some will view that as a positive as he has room to grow, I see it as an issue. His young age will most likely inhibit a seamless transition to the NFL. As such, he won’t be ready to compete at a high-level for a while and the Raiders need help at inside linebacker immediately.

As much as I would love to take Edmunds here, especially with us sharing the same birthday, there are too many other prospects on defense mentioned earlier in the Raiders 2018 Draft Pick or Pass series that should be taken ahead of Edmunds.

Verdict: PASS

Levi Damien (@LeviDamien)

For me “high ceiling” are bad words. It’s another way of saying raw, unrealized potential which also usually just means really athletic. Those who watch Tremaine Edmunds are in awe with what he is able to accomplish despite lacking great discipline. You simply don’t take him over an athletic AND highly disciplined linebacker like Roquan Smith. And there’s no reason for the Raiders to take the second best player at any of position at ten overall.

Verdict: PASS