Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: LB Aubrey Miller Jr., Jackson State

The Las Vegas Raiders need to add depth at linebacker, a position that was depleted by injuries, retirements and now free agency.

Whether the Raiders plan on bringing back a few of their own players or hitting free agency for help, their best option to find talent this year is through a loaded 2023 NFL Draft.

General Manager Dave Ziegler could have his final season in Las Vegas if he doesn’t turn this defense around, which is why he and the Raiders will draft heavily on defense.

This offseason, we'll be working alongside SI’s Draft Bible to get you the latest information on any potential players the Raiders may consider drafting, including some that might fall into the draft's later rounds.

“We’re going to continue to find players who fit what we look for, and continue to build this team in our vision, and I think we’re going to, at the same time, our goal is to win football games, and our goal for next year is to make an improvement over where we were this year,” said Ziegler.

Linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr., Jackson State

“An explosive thumper, bringing intent and passion to every tackle,” Draft Bible said of Miller Jr.

Miller Jr. put his name on the national spotlight with a tremendous showing at the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Jackson State LB Aubrey Miller Jr. With A BIG Hit‼️ 😤 #SeniorBowl @Loose_Qannon @GoJSUTigersFB

🎥: @BillyM_91 pic.twitter.com/OEVKkqLqbr
— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) February 4, 2023

Not only did he prove that he can compete with elite talent but that he can be an every-down linebacker at the next level.

“Miller needed another phenomenal senior season to magnify his draft potential, and he did just that with a SWAC Defensive Player of The Year Campaign. The physical backer registered an 84.4 PFF defensive grade that featured 117 tackles, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries under the FCS' best defensive unit from 2022,” HBCU Legends said of Miller Jr.

Jackson State LB Aubrey Miller Jr. Is Bringing THEE BOOM At Senior Bowl Practice 😤

🎥 Via: @WalkTheMock pic.twitter.com/RDeUUWfTaM
— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) February 1, 2023

Miller is a true MIKE linebacker who can do it all as a pass rusher and run defender in the middle of the field.

Since leaving Missouri, Miller has been the leader of Jackson State’s defense for the last two years and has shown that he led by example and set the tone on defense.

Miller is a tackling machine who rarely misses tackles. When I see his highlight reels, he reminds me of linebacker Denzel Perryman, but with more athleticism.

In addition, Miller downfield with a great combination of speed and power, everything you’re looking for in a defender in the middle of the field.

Miller's Achilles heel is in coverage, but I wouldn’t shy away because of that. At Jackson State, he wasn’t tasked to cover tight ends.

On a high note, he did a great job doing that in the Senior Bowl.

The coaching staff utilized his skills and he excelled in other areas across the defense, which is why he didn’t develop that skill set.

Miller is projected as a day three selection in the draft, which only helps both sides. The Silver and Black can replace or bring a player who can learn under Perryman and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham.

As for the Raiders, drafting Miller can solve some of the issues on defense and continue their streak of drafting gems late in the draft.

The NFL Draft will occur at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., from Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.

The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. Starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT 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. EDT on March 15.

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

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