Assessment of Potential Raiders Draft Pick: Linebacker JD Bertrand from Notre Dame…
Following a notable improvement during the 2023 season under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the Las Vegas Raiders are eager to maintain their momentum for the upcoming 2024 season.
Pierce’s leadership significantly elevated the team’s defensive performance, leading to his permanent appointment as head coach. To bolster their roster, the Raiders have already secured defensive tackle Christian Wilkins as a key free agent signing.
Despite these positive steps, there’s acknowledgment within the organization that more work is needed to solidify their position for postseason contention. With this in mind, the Raiders are eyeing the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft as an opportunity to address crucial areas, particularly linebacker.
One promising prospect they may consider in the later rounds is JD Bertrand from Notre Dame. Bertrand boasts an impressive collegiate track record, having played 40 games for the Fighting Irish. His stats reflect his impact on the field, with 267 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, and notable contributions in other defensive categories.
Bertrand’s leadership qualities were evident as captain of Notre Dame’s defense, which ranked among the nation’s top five in total defense. Physically, Bertrand presents as a prototypical NFL linebacker, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 235 pounds, with a robust build that suits the demands of the position.
His standout attribute is his instincts, consistently positioning himself to disrupt opposing offenses. While Bertrand may lack elite athleticism and size compared to some prospects, his football IQ compensates for these shortcomings, enabling him to anticipate plays effectively.
However, concerns linger about his agility and ability to keep up with faster opponents, potentially limiting his role as a three-down linebacker in the NFL. Nevertheless, Bertrand’s versatility and contributions on special teams could make him a valuable asset for the Raiders, particularly in later rounds of the draft.
As the NFL Draft approaches in April 2024, the Raiders, holding the No. 13 overall pick, have an opportunity to further strengthen their roster. For the latest updates, fans can follow X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr or sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about breaking news stories.”
Leave a Reply