BREAKING NEWS: The Raiders are eyeing linebacker Junior Colson from Michigan as a potential draft prospect.

The Las Vegas Raiders are exploring avenues to enhance their roster, with the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft presenting a prime opportunity. Following the conclusion of the NFL Scouting Combine last week and with free agency looming, the Raiders are poised for an active offseason. With newly appointed coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco at the helm, the team is focused on identifying the best prospects to bolster their lineup.

Michigan linebacker Junior Colson has emerged as a potential target for the Raiders. Known for his exceptional athleticism, Colson could add depth to an already formidable linebacker corps for the Silver and Black. During his tenure with the Wolverines, Colson showcased his versatility and impact, contributing significantly to the team’s National Championship victory. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors twice and compiled impressive stats, including 256 total tackles, eight and a half tackles for loss, five passes defended, and two and a half sacks.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 247 pounds, Colson possesses ideal size for an NFL linebacker. He demonstrates remarkable athleticism, particularly in coverage, with the speed and agility to cover ground effectively. Additionally, Michigan frequently utilized Colson as a blitzer, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

While Colson excels in coverage and blitzing situations, his consistency in run defense remains a point of improvement. Although he exhibits the capability to make tackles in the open field, he can struggle to disengage from blockers at times. Nonetheless, his potential as a three-down player in the NFL is evident, provided he enhances his run defense skills.

The Raiders already boast strong linebacker options in Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane. However, adding a player of Colson’s caliber could further bolster the athleticism of Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit. Expected to be among the top linebackers selected in the draft, Colson could seamlessly integrate into the Raiders’ defensive scheme under Graham’s guidance.

With the NFL Draft scheduled for April 25-27, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, the Raiders hold the No. 13 overall pick. As the team continues to evaluate prospects, fans can stay updated on all breaking news stories by following @HondoCarpenter on Twitter and @HondoSr on Instagram, as well as signing up for the free newsletter.