The Las Vegas Raiders are in the process of making major changes to their roster in the offseason.
The Raiders made two significant signings on the first day of the legal tampering period. They brought in star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and journeyman quarterback Gardner Minshew to compete with Aidan O’Connell.
Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco have just begun building the team in the vision they are looking for. However, the Raiders still need to make several moves to be a postseason team in 2024.
One area the team could address through the 2024 NFL Draft is the linebacker position, and Penn State's Curtis Jacobs is one player they could add to improve that spot. Jacobs was part of a loaded Nittany Lions defense that is putting several players in the NFL this year.
Jacobs finished his Nittany Lions career with 171 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, three passes defended, two interceptions, and nine and a half sacks. He was a participant in the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas.
Jacobs also performed at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., and put up some impressive numbers. He ran a 4.58 40-yard dash, the seventh-fastest time among all linebackers. His 1.59 10-yard split tied with several linebackers for the second-fastest time.
Jacobs stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 241 pounds, which gives him a unique size. On tape, however, he does not look like he weighs that much. He plays much more agilely and athletically.
Two of the most appealing elements of Jacobs’ game are his strength and athleticism. He plays with an aggressive edge and likes to hit ball carriers. He can fly downfield and fit the run as well as any linebacker in the class.
Because of his athleticism, Jacobs can also cover players in the passing game. His fluid lower body allows him to flip the field and change direction whenever he needs to.
However, Jacobs is slow to recognize plays and can be a step behind in recovering if he gets beat. He is an inconsistent tackler, and his technique can be somewhat out of control. He may not be able to play three-down linebacker in the NFL and may be resigned to special teams.
Jacobs is projected to be a day three selection in the draft. If the Raiders are looking for depth at linebacker, Jacobs could provide that and more.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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