NFL Draft: The Oakland Raiders should select BYU football’s Harvey Langi

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching. BYU football’s Harvey Langi is a raw, athletic linebacker that should end up in Oakland.

BYU football captain Harvey Langi’s NFL Draft stock has been all over the place. He wasn’t on anyone’s radar before the season. Then he moved positions and teams took notice. But unfortunately for Langi, he didn’t have much success there. So his draft stock took a hit.

Then he switched back to linebacker and finished his BYU football career with 16 tackles against Wyoming.

Langi then went on to compete in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he apparently impressed a number of NFL teams.

Including the Oakland Raiders.

Langi’s got great size for an NFL linebacker (6-foot-2, 252-pounds) and he impressed during run-stopping drills. He’s obviously got a way to go (he’s still raw as a backer), but he’s got great field vision and tends to find the ball carrier quickly.

He’s better running downhill than he is in coverage, but he’s got good speed and half-decent hands, as demonstrated by his game-winning interception.

Langi’s biggest strengths are his ability to shed blocks and rush the passer – two things that will prove valuable whether he’s a middle or outside backer.

So why should Oakland draft him?

Because there’s a need.

Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin are great pass rushers from the outside linebacker spots, but the Raiders need help stopping the run. Langi can help them do that.

It’s worth noting, I don’t think Langi is a step in, day one starter. He’s likely going to need to make his bones off special teams play for a year or two. But need breeds opportunity. If Oakland needs bodies in the middle, Langi will get a crack at playing time (even if it’s only in the preseason).

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A great workout at the NFL Combine will go a long way for Langi. For now, most draft analysts have him as a late-round prospect.

Langi will compete at the Combine next week, along with former BYU football teammate Jamaal Williams. For coverage on Williams and his potential draft destinations, click here.