Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: LB Owen Pappoe, Auburn

Las Vegas Raiders can add speed to the linebacker position by drafting Auburn’s Owen Pappoe in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders have less than a month to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft, and while the team has been busy in free agency, there is still plenty of work to do on defense.

Toward the end of the season, the Raiders were left playing with a few undrafted free agents and late signings at linebacker.

This offseason, the Raiders have made a few moves at the linebacker position but have mentioned adding depth via the draft.

One player that can come in and provide an immediate impact on the field was also the fasted linebacker at the 2023 NFL Combine.

Linebacker Owen Pappoe, Auburn Tigers

“Well-built frame with athletic musculature and adequate length for a stacked backer. Good downhill burst, an easy trigger in his run-pass read. Sheds blocks with tremendous hand usage, reminiscent of a pass rusher. A clean hitter that forces fumbles with hit velocity. Active feet and fluid hips to carry three strong in coverage or drop from a mugged look. He can Flow to the boundary and tackle the ball carrier before he gets to the track,” said NFL Draft Bible on Pappoe.

The Auburn product has appeared and made an impact since his freshman season, with the exception of missing most of the 2021 season win an ankle injury.

Pappoe is built more as an enforcer with the athletic ability to get a stop all over the middle of the field and in the backfield.

Last season, Pappoe recorded 91 total tackles (51 solo), three tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and one interception.

A great showing at Reese’s Senior Bowl should increase his draft stock, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he falls into the third day of the draft.

Lastly, Pappoe recorded the fastest 40-yard dash (4.39), and 10-yard split (1.52), he also maxed out at 29 reps at the bench press (most among LBs) at the combine.

Athleticism is not the issue with Pappoe, field vision, and play recognition will keep him away from becoming one of the top linebackers drafted later this month.

You can’t teach speed but you can teach technicality and that is something the Raiders would have to develop Pappoe once he gets drafted into the NFL.

The NFL Draft will occur at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., ending with rounds five to seven on Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. Starting at 12 p.m. EST on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EST on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. EST on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EST on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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