NFLPA Collegiate Bowl: Raiders Prospects

The Vegas Raiders defense needs an overhaul and those early picks could get splurged on the offensive side of the ball. Either way, the Vegas Raiders need to address their defense in the later rounds. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl offered an upfront view of prospects trying to play their way into the Senior Bowl or Combine or get the attention of pro scouts from each team ahead of their Pro Days and private workouts. Here are some legit prospects the Raiders need to keep track of after the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. 

Omar Bayless, WR, Arkansas St. 

Bayless made only one catch in the game but it was a highlight over a National player for a three-yard TD. At one point, Bayless was a leader in receiving in the country with 84 receptions for 1,473 yards and 16 touchdowns and received third-team All-American honors. He has good feet and speed to crack the Raiders receiver depth chart. Bayless was the talk of Pasadena. At six-three, he has good size for the position and he said he feels like he answered questions about his speed over the week’s practices. 

Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple

Bradley is a physical and instinctive linebacker who showed that with a nice hit in the Collegiate Bowl finishing with a tackle. The linebacker class as a whole was one of the most talented position groups in Pasadena all week. Bradley has the size, scheme fit, and nose for the ball that the Raiders need a linebacker in the later rounds. Cole Christiansen made himself some money as a linebacker with two fumble recoveries for the American team too. Marcel Spears Jr. made a nice pick and return and two tackles as well to gain himself some draft stock on the National team. Raiders could look at several linebackers from this game.

Sewo Olonilua, RB, TCU

Olonilua showed the versatility TCU got accustomed to seeing over the last three seasons. He had over 500 yards from scrimmage each of the past three seasons. The fullback and running back stands six-three and 240 pounds which is the size and versatility the Raiders could use in their backfield. Olonilua did fumble in the end zone but he finished three rushes for 28 yards and three catches for 17 yards. 

Raymond Calais, RB, UL-Lafayette

Lafayette running back Raymond Calais also took a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown. Calais added four carries for 25 yards which lead his team in rushing. The Ragin’ Cajun size and stats don’t pop. Yet, his speed and explosion might be worth the Raiders looking at in the later rounds since their return game needs some juice. 

Levonta Taylor, CB, FSU

FSU corner Levonta Taylor was one of the best athletes on the field too. Taylor is highly experienced playing safety and corner in a variety of schemes over his career. He is a player the Raiders or any other team with a need in the secondary should consider. Testing well could help him rising draft boards. 

Kobe Williams, CB, ASU

ASU Williams made a few pass breakups in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, along with good feel all week. Williams did not have an interception in his final season. However, he finished with 115 tackles over his three seasons as a Sun Devil. Williams is a DB and special teams prospect who deserves consideration from the Raiders as well.