With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders Get ILB Their Defense Needed

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) onto the field prior to the Redskins
Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) onto the field prior to the Redskins /
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Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) intercepts the ball over New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) intercepts the ball over New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Athleticism and Coverage

The NFL already knows that Riley, at 6’2″, 240 pounds, is physical and a rock in the middle of a defense. But you don’t really hear a lot about his speed and quickness out in coverage. Riley believes the NFL simply hasn’t taken notice of his athleticism.

He told ESPN, “But I think a lot of people underestimate my athleticism or speed outside in pass coverage. I think I got a lot of scrutiny in Washington about a couple of pass coverages I gave up. But at the same time, a lot of people don’t know everything that’s supposed to go on.”

But those that play with him or coach him know that Riley is extremely athletic. During the preseason last year, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden told Redskins.com, “He can cover anybody out of the backfield, any tight end because he can run.”

That’s obviously the something the Raiders, who are getting killed by TEs, need. Last year, Riley had a spectacular 1-handed INT of New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees while covering TE Ben Watson. That play tells you everything you need to know about his athleticism.

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