2018 NFL Draft results: With pick 216 in 6th round Raiders select Washington LB Azeem Victor

Even with Jon Gruden now in charge, it looks like the Raiders still have linebacker as a position to draft late. They waited until the sixth round to take Washington’s Azeem Victor. He was valued higher on the field at one time but character issues and injuries brought that value down. He was suspended by Washington in 2017 for a failed drug test and a DUI.

However, he has pluses, going from struggling with high school to graduating from college in four years. He also has some quality tape in his background. He could have left school after an outstanding junior campaign in 2016 if he hadn’t broke his right leg against USC.

Then his senior year wasn’t pretty as he was overweight, coming off of that broken leg. But at his best, Victor has good instincts, can cover and is as physical a player as you need.

Victor wasn’t overly impressive at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, benching 225 19 times, running a 4.72 40 and getting through the 3-cone drill in 7.2 seconds. But at his Pro Day, he was able to put it together on the 3-cone drill at 6.94.

All I can say about all this is I hope the Raiders re-sign NaVorro Bowman before the season starts. But Victor could possibly develop into a solid starter if he keeps his nose clean and takes to what Bowman says to him as a mentor.