UDFA Scouting Report: How Jason Cabinda fits with Raiders

New Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther claims he can develop less heralded linebackers and that likely sounded like music to GM Reggie McKenzie’s ears. With all the talk of Gruden taking Reggie’s authority one thing stayed the same: Linebackers were not a draft priority. Jason Cabinda joins the team as an undrafted free agent and will face an uphill battle to secure one of the few spots at Linebacker. Here’s a look at his profile.

Jason Cabinda, LB, Penn State

Measurables

Height: 6’1’’

Weight: 239lbs

Arms: 32”

Pro Day Results

40: Didn’t run (quad injury)

Vertical: 33.5”

Broad Jump: 10’09”

Bench: 19 (Combine)

Short Shuttle: 4.22

3 Cone: 7.00

Stats

2017: 13 games, 90 tackles (34 solo), 7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 3 PD, 2 FF

2016: 9 games, 80 tackles (36 solo), 4.0 TFL, 1.0 Sacks, 3 PD

2015: 13 games, 98 tackles (39 solo), 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 5 PD

2014: 4 games, 17 tackles (7 solo), 0.5 TFL

Awards

2017: All Big-10 Defense 2nd Team

2016: All Big-10 Defense 3rd Team

Strengths

Lauded by coaches and scouts for having outstanding football character and leadership skills. Played all 4 years at a school that takes linebacker play very seriously. Was the man lining up his teammates and possesses above average football IQ.

Delivers a strong punch when taking on blockers. Can stand up even the biggest offensive linemen without giving up ground.

High effort player, always around the football. Shows some ability as a blitzer, hits his gap with anticipation and can get pressure on the QB.

Weaknesses

Just slow. He can see where the play is going but too often cannot get there quick enough. Can be caught with misdirection due to poor explosiveness and limited change of direction ability.

Can only play zone coverage. NFL Running Backs will be too fast for him to catch out of the backfield and would be a liability in man coverage.

Makes more assists than actual tackles, his effort translates into jumping on the pile rather than defensive stops. Goes long periods of time on tape without making an impact.

Fit with Raiders

Hard to see how Cabinda makes it on the roster in a passing league. He is a throwback linebacker who is gritty against the run but lacks the athleticism to contribute on NFL 3rd downs.

His lack of speed and burst will work against him on special teams. His great intangibles and winning attitude could earn him a spot on the practice squad.