2022 Raiders Draft Profile: LB Chad Muma

Originally posted on Full Press Coverage
By Terrance Biggs | Last updated 2/15/22

2022 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Chad Muma
Position: Linebacker
School: The University of Wyoming
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 242 pounds
Stats

Tackling

Far and away, the prospect’s best trait. From the snap, Muma attacks the ballcarrier with pristine technique. He doesn’t lunge or lurch, with arms flailing. Instead, he breaks down, playing in front of his feet, ready to make the tackle. Muma changes approach levels, depending on the angle. He knows that tackling isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. In effect, each situation becomes a singular event. Correspondingly, Muma’s confidence in tackling, above the technique stands out. In space, he shows no hesitation in making the first move to secure the stop. He doesn’t fall for the mini-juke, in an attempt to get his feet crossed and out of position. In traffic, he displays the same aggressiveness while being contacted by blockers. Tackling machine.

Coverage

With deep zone drops and the ability to flow towards the ball, the former MWC standout profiles as a three-down linebacker. When singled up against backs, Muma takes crisp pursuit angles, in order to take the corner away, negating big gains. The prospect does show the knack for undercutting routes, jumping them for interceptions. Muma returned two interceptions for touchdowns.At the next level, he will need to continue to improve on in-breaking routes across his face.

Awareness

Rarely fooled by playaction, the prospect’s vision and instincts serve him rather well. For example, on an RPO, Muma focuses on his responsibility, while keeping to the outside in his prereferral line of sight. Equally important, finding the crease in wide-ranging plays. Notably, screens and sweeps will see the former Wyoming product get skinny, slide between blockers to blow the play up.

Athleticism

Despite weighing between 240250, and playing linebacker, the prospect displays sound athletic ability. First, his feet seem in perpetual motion while making the play. Next, a blitzer, Muma will get home in a straight line. Although not blessed with elite agility, Muma flashes enough lateral ability to make the stop in every direction.

Raiders Need

Everyone saw what former Wyoming product Logan Wilson accomplished during 2021. So, any talk about a lack of quality competition faced dissipates. Meanwhile, on the field, the Raiders possess a serious need for linebackers. With Denzel Perryman serving as the only viable option, Muma becomes an intriguing selection. Although Perryman occupies what Muma would play, there is room for a period of apprenticeship. Perryman, the Raiders’ best tackler but weakest in coverage should function as the early-down linebacker.

Raiders Fit

Muma, projected as a mid-round selection would be a low-cost, high-reward player that could fit into the Raiders’ scheme. Additionally, the hiring of Antonio Pierce as linebackers coach should benefit Muma immediately. Pierce embodies toughness mixed with technique. Muma brings those to the table. as well as a serious devotion to technique. The Raiders, to a man, need to help their back seven. As of now, the defense tilts lopsided toward the front four to do all of the work. On passing downs, Muma won’t hurt the Raiders in coverage. In fact, he profiles as someone that could slow Austin Ekeler on the boundary. The Raiders suffered from subpar ‘backer play for too long. Muma will collect his share of tackles and throw in an interception.

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This article first appeared on Full Press Coverage and was syndicated with permission.

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