The Las Vegas Raiders are aware they need to bolster their defensive side and it appears they have their eyes on DeAngelo Malone of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
The Raiders have their eyes on the 22-year-old player, considered a high-impact player that could be a key piece in the defensive renovation that Las Vegas is undertaking.
Considering he is a two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, there is reason to be excited about Raiders fans. Although he seems fit to be an outside linebacker, there are questions in the air due to his size and quickness.
Malone is undersized, something that could be a problem once he jumps to the NFL. But seeing how he managed to defy the odds in college football and even won awards for his efforts, the 22-year-old should be able to handle things.
“Malone's wiry build belies his toughness and play strength at the point of attack. He uses quick feet, a flexible frame, and unusually successful recovery balance to slink into playmaking positions in the run game. His rush is unorthodox and unpredictable but his burst to close and fluidity inside the pocket are valuable in finishing against mobile quarterbacks. His slender frame will get knocked and he needs to craft a more repeatable rush, but he is competitive and savvy,” NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein explained.
At the NFL Draft Combine, Malone did not disappoint and ran a 4.58 40-yard dash. He is a projected fourth-rounder in this year’s NFL Draft and may be a potential second selection by Las Vegas.
Should he be picked up, pundits see Malone as an immediate contributor if used as a rotational player on defense.
The 2022 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 28 in Las Vegas with the Raiders' first pick coming in the third round at No. 86.
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