2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Germaine Pratt
Position: LB
School: North Carolina State University
Height: 6’3”
Weight 240 pounds
Round Projection: 3-4
Stats
Speed
Like many converted safeties, Pratt can motor. However, he does bring a sense of timing to his burst. Upon the snap, Pratt anticipates instantaneously, choosing his next move. When either he does execute his task, coverage or getting upfield, he arrives quickly. As a result, Pratt will sniff out screen or slip into seams to stop the run. On the other hand, Pratt’s explosion, now harnessed, began to evolve in the blitz aspect. Now, Pratt looks comfortable getting into the backfield.
Coverage
As mentioned, Pratt’s history as a safety helps him in this area. With a smooth backpedal and ease diagnosing routes, he looks natural trailing opponents. Meanwhile, Pratt instinctively can trace routes, anticipating the pattern and jumping into proper position. While some linebackers appear to struggle away from the line of scrimmage, Pratt looks comfortable on either the boundary or middle of the field.
Tackling
Despite playing away from the line of scrimmage, Pratt will surf through trash to make the play. In close areas, Pratt changes his approach, preferring to wrap and drag, instead of driving through the target. However, in wider spots, he will drive through the target with good pad level and pop. In either case, he makes the best adjustment.
Red Flag
If you look at Pratt’s film, only one trait appears lacking. After his drafting, an NFL strength and conditioning coach will need to work with Pratt’s power. Although, his strength appears functional, playing linebacker in the NFL requires an upgrade. For Pratt, the fix is simple. In that case, added strength will also help him vary his block-shedding repertoire. Now, he uses a deft bend brush by or quick swim to evade lineman. With extra strength, Pratt can force blockers backward and disrupt the run.
Raiders Fit
Currently, the Raiders have little explosion from their linebackers. While adequate, no one possesses any elite qualities that would require their 2019 roster presence. With Pratt, the Raiders could use him to cover tight ends and backs. In addition, Pratt could blitz from either the edge or the A gap, depending on location. Paul Guenther’s defense needs athletes. His scheme, even with marginal talent, works. Therefore, drafting Pratt on Day 2 could pan out for the Raiders.
