Oakland Raiders 2012 Draft Wish List No. 5: OLB Shea McClellin

Last season, one of the Oakland Raiders' biggest issues was the outside linebacker position opposite of Kamerion Wimbley. Both Quentin Groves and Aaron Curry were lackluster. Curry, who the Raiders acquired midseason, had a decent year, but it was nothing to brag about.  

It's definitely a place the Raiders can improve on, and it's probable that they will. They can go about this problem a couple of ways.

The first is keep what they already have. Curry and Groves both have great potential. Curry was touted as one of the best defensive players of his draft class, going fourth overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Obviously, things didn't work out when the Raiders traded only a seventh-round pick for him.

Groves had a great career at Auburn. He recorded 26 sacks at Auburn, was named to numerous award watch lists and made the First Team All-SEC in 2006. Drafted in the second round, obviously, Groves had tremendous talent. However, his transition to the NFL has not gone all so well, playing defensive end for the Jaguars and outside linebacker for the Raiders.  

However, after being replaced midseason, it's a question if Groves will even be retained. That being said, I hope he is so that he has another shot, especially if the Raiders change their defense up. As a pass-rushing specialist, Groves should be licking his lips.

If Reggie McKenzie decides that neither Groves nor Curry are what he wants, he may want to take a dip into the free-agency pool. Jarrett Johnson, Ahmad Brooks and Anthony Spencer are a few names that could peak some interest. Johnson would be my favorite, as he's been the most consistent and is the best in pass coverage.  

Brooks, on the other hand, is a really good pass-rusher, getting seven sacks on a loaded 49ers defense. He also spent a few years together with defensive coordinator Jason Tarver. 

Or, they can look at the draft to groom some talent, something the Green Bay Packers have done especially well. Reggie may look to do the same with the Raiders.

I want to take a second to acknowledge some other talented players who almost made the cut for this article, but barely missed it.

First up is Jake Bequette of Arkansas. Primarily a defensive end, Bequette is 6'5" and weights about 265 lbs. He is a great pass-rusher with good size. The knock on him is that he is more of a defensive end, which the Raiders don't necessarily need. The Raiders could consider drafting him and making him stand up, but they cannot expect him to drop back into coverage and do exceptionally well.  

The next is Jonathan Massaquoi of Troy. This guy is one heck of a prospect with unlimited potential.  He is a polished pass-rusher with good speed and physicality. He has the prototypical size for an outside linebacker, standing at 6'2" and 250 lbs.  

The knack of Massaquoi is that he is like Groves. Outside of pass-rushing, Massaquoi isn't a great player. I believe this is more because of the way he was played in college more than anything. Lined up mainly at defensive end, Massaquoi did not have the opportunity to drop into coverage as much and that hurt his stock. But, with so much potential, I would not be disappointed one bit if his name was called to play for the Oakland Raiders come draft day.

Now, for my wish list guy. Shea McClellin of Boise State stands about 6'3" and 250 lbs. McClellin is the most polished "mid-round" outside linebacker of this draft, in my opinion. Playing for one of the most consistent college programs in the last five years or so, McClellin has been a big reason for the Broncos' recent success.  

Boise State has had one of the best defenses over the past few years with the help of McClellin. In his time at Boise State, McClellin has recorded 130 tackles, 33 tackles for losses, 20.5 sacks, four interceptions, five pass deflections and five forced fumbles.  

Not the most active tackler, but McClellin, like Massaquoi, played a lot at defensive end. The difference between Massaquoi and McClellin is that the latter spent more time in a two-point stance.

That's not it. Get this: McClellin even played at inside linebacker. Talk about versatility! How many defensive ends can you name with the ability to play inside linebacker?

That obviously tells us that the Boise State coaches have a lot of confidence in his pass-coverage skills if they're fine with him playing middle linebacker. That is a great thing, especially if he was to be drafted by the Raiders.

With Kamerion Wimbley and possibly Quentin Groves, the Raiders have their pass-rushing outside linebackers. They need an outside linebacker than can drop back into coverage, someone like Jarrett Johnson. 

McClellin has the potential to be the next Jarrett Johnson. Casual sports fans will say "Jarrett Johnson who?"

Any real sports fan know exactly who Johnson is. Both players have a relentless motor and are good pass defenders. The difference is, McClellin is the better pass-rusher, having spent time at defensive end.

McClellin's skill set is so good, in fact, that I think he can even transition well in a 4-3 defense if the Raiders ultimately don't make any major defensive changes. As I've probably overstated already, his unparalleled motor, good cover skills and pass-rushing abilities makes him a prized possession. Look for McClellin to have a great outing at the combine.  

Make sure to check out the other guys on my Oakland Raiders 2012 NFL draft wish list if you haven't already.  

1.  LB Vontaze Burfict

2.  DL Mike Martin

3.  NT Nicolas Jean-Baptiste

4. S Winston Guy Jr.