KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Jonathan Kongbo #99 of the Tennessee Volunteers pressures Logan Marchi #4 of the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers during a game at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
NFL Draft: 5 best landing spots for former Vol Jonathan Kongbo
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Running back Stevan Ridley #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
1. Oakland Raiders
2. Atlanta Falcons
3. Washington Redskins
4. Carolina Panthers
5. New York Giants
Like most of the other former Vols Jonathan Kongbo probably isn’t going to be drafted. However, he will certainly gather a few options for training camps based on his athleticism alone. One of the teams that should extend an invitation is the Oakland Raiders.
Jon Gruden traded away Khalil Mack, which could be a good move for the future, but it directly impacted the defense last season. The Raiders produced a league-low 13 sacks. All other teams had at least 30. Adding edge rusher and faster outside linebackers is something Oakland will surely look to do this offseason.
We’ve touched on the Falcons a bit with some other players, but they need help off the edge as well. Vic Beasley, who takes up a lot of cap space, has only produced five sack the past two seasons.
Finally, a lot of early interest in the NFL Draft for the Washington Redskins will be at wide receiver and quarterback. Jamison Crowder left for free agency and who knows if Alex Smith will play again due to his gruesome knee injury.
Again, Kongbo getting drafted is a stretch, but you never know. Look for his name to pop up in some camps. Teams could do a lot worse than filling a roster spot with Kongbo.
