Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Aaron Casey, Indiana
The Las Vegas Raiders have just under two months to decide who to select in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders are entering an exciting time in the franchise’s history, as Coach Antonio Pierce is stirring up excitement for Raider Nation once again. When he took over as the interim coach last season, he helped flip the script and inspired vastly improved play from his squad.
This earned him the full-time head coaching position, and now, the Raiders are in a position to improve and potentially fight for a spot in the postseason in 2024.
The Raiders played well on defense last season but could still add more defensive talent to their roster to bolster that side of the ball.
The Raiders could consider Indiana linebacker Aaron Casey on the third day of the draft. A First-Team All-Big Ten member in 2023, Casey may be a value pick late in the draft.
Indiana linebacker Aaron Casey could provide depth for the Las Vegas Raiders defense.
Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times-USA TODAY NETWORK
Casey finished his Hoosiers career with 240 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, five passes defended, and 10 sacks. Casey was one of the main contributors in a fiesty, competitive Hoosiers' defense led by Defensive Coordinator Chad Wilt.
Casey performed at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., showing solid speed and athleticism. He ran a 4.75 40-yard dash and had a 30-inch vertical jump.
Casey stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 231 pounds. He looks well-built on tape and looks to have the necessary frame to be an NFL linebacker. He is most impressive when he is turned loose to chase after ball carriers in the run game.
At Indiana, Casey played middle linebacker. However, this may be different from where he plays in the NFL. Casey does not have the instincts or football IQ to handle the middle of a defense. He is at his best when he is playing the run. He does not have elite pass coverage skills, so he may be limited at the next level.
Fortunately for Casey, the Raiders already have a middle linebacker, so he would not have to assume that role. If he joins the Silver and Black, he could just be played on running downs and special teams and be a positive contributor.
Casey is projected to be a day three selection, so if the Raiders wanted to add depth to their linebacker group, Casey could provide it.
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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