2022 Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Leo Chenal

Pass Rush

From all over the field, Chenal flashes pass-rush ability. He closes on the passer, delivering a solid blow. However, move variance and the repertoire need to be expanded. Offensive linemen can pick up on tendencies and adjust for them in the NFL. If you have a dynamic move. Right now, the toolbox looks like it needs improvement. Pairing the bull rush, swim, with either a rip and/or swipe, opens doors. With that said, the prospect presents a high floor in this trait.

Run Stuffing

Taking on blockers with a blend of physicality and agility, Chenal excels in run defense. His 18.5 TFL last year means that he brings that controlled frenzied style against the run. However, he must implement even more hand usage against blockers. At the next level, guards will be significantly stronger at the point of attack. Chenal must adjust accordingly.

Athleticism

Despite possessing the frame of a 4-3 end, Chenal’s attributes bolt off the film. The first step off the snap, whether attacking the run or pass =, looks equal parts decisive and crisp. As a rusher, his speed around the end beats the tackle to the corner, forcing a decision: steer wider or hold. Similarly, that burst wins versus slower guards in the run game. On screens, Chenal possesses the option of getting skinny to escape a block or trunk power to blow up the play. The prospect feature the burst to make plays backside and veering in his direction.

Raiders Need

Since the Raiders hired Josh McDaniels as head coach, the prevailing thought remains that a switch to a 3-4 defense occurs. Looking around the Raiders’ current group of potential linebackers, pickings appear slim. With Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue slotted in as starters at outside linebacker, who else starts? If you’re honest, Denzel Perryman is the only other linebacker worthy of starting. Cory Littleton failed in two separate systems. Nick Kwiatkoski became a special teamer by the end of the season. A highly-paid special-teamer.

Raiders Fit

The Raiders will bring in more than one linebacker. Chenal slides comfortably into the second day of the draft. In an NFL 3-4, he transitions well into an inside linebacker spot. Against the run, he will shoot through gaps to make the stop, usually unassisted. On stretch plays, Chenal could flow down the sideline, sifting through the wash, finding the ball carrier. Unlike Perryman, Chenal could stay on the field in obvious passing situations, where occupying the middle on a deep drop or following a tight end would see him use the ball skills he developed in Madison. Additionally, the prospect adds pass rush value as either an A-gap blitzer or looping around the edge, beating a confused tackler. Either way, the Raiders need versatile linebackers with the talent to play stout versus the run and get home against the past.

NFC: Bucs Players Admit Confusion Ahead Of Cooper Kupp Reception