The Oakland Raiders picked up a new crop of rookies over the weekend, but Bruce Irvin still isn't satisfied.
Irvin wants the Raiders to re-sign <a href="http://www.authenticsaintsshop.com/shop-by-players-customized-c-1_11.html">http://www.authenticsaintsshop.com/shop-by-players-customized-c-1_11.html</a> free agent linebacker Perry Riley Jr. He confirmed as much in a recent tweet.
The Oakland Raiders dominated the 2017 NFL Draft. Want the latest news on the 2017 draft class sent straight to your inbox? – Sign up for our FREE Raiders newsletter now!
Irvin and Riley were high school teammates, so that's probably one reason why Irvin wants him back. Riley's fit with the Raiders, however, goes well beyond that connection.
Riley, who joined the Silver & Black in <a href="http://www.authenticsteelerssale.com/shop-by-players-hines-ward-jersey-c-2_53.html">http://www.authenticsteelerssale.com/shop-by-players-hines-ward-jersey-c-2_53.html</a> the middle of last season, was plugged into the starting lineup and made an immediate impact. He brought stability to an integral middle linebacker position that was lacking veteran experience and finished the season with 48 tackles (38 solo, two tackles for losses), a defended pass and two forced fumbles.
The Raiders signed Jelani Jenkins in free agency, but his best fit would be replacing Malcolm Smith on the weak side. They drafted a potential middle linebacker in Marquel Lee, but the fifth-round pick is no sure bet to start.
Other options on the roster include Cory<a href="http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-donnie-shell-jersey-c-2_46.html">http://www.authenticsteelersshop.com/shop-by-players-donnie-shell-jersey-c-2_46.html</a> James and Ben Heeney, late-round picks in recent drafts who failed to hold onto the starting job last season.
Reuniting with Riley, who is only 28 years old, would cap off a successful offseason for the Raiders.
Follow Kevin Boilard on Twitter: @247KevinBoilard
The Wall