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streak of 21 consecutive games with six or
more tackles, the longest streak in the NFL.
Smith has 40 tackles, including seven tackles
for a loss in 2016, and his speed and spirit on
the field are key.
Raiders middle linebacker Cory James might
have been a sixth-round pick this year, but
he is already seeing the field as a starter. He
already has 32 tackles and three tackles for
loss, and is poised to become a playmaker in
the future.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Jaguars first-round pick cornerback Jalen
Ramsey last week gave up six receptions for
90 yards to Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery in
the first half. The rookie then recovered, and
allowed only one catch for three yards in the
second half to the former Pro Bowl receiver.
His ability and willingness to match up with
the best receiver on the opposing team is
becoming more apparent by the week, and
Ramsey has the chance to become one of
the elite cornerbacks in the NFL. Aaron Colvin
made his 2016 debut last week after a fourgame league suspension, and put together
five tackles, including one tackle for a loss.
Combined with the 10 games he missed during
his 2014 rookie season due to a knee injury,
Colvin has missed 14 of a possible 37 games in
his three-year NFL career. Many felt that Colvin
had first-round talent prior to his injury, and
Colvin is now on the field to prove it.
Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph has made
an early impact with 33 tackles and an
interception in his rookie season. The 14th
overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft out of
West Virginia, Joseph has started four games
in 2016, but is trying to solidify his spot at
the position.
Both teams are stocked with elite, young talent
looking to truly make their mark in the National
Football League. Which team will take the next
step forward and become the next great team?
We could get our first idea this afternoon.