Raiders’ rookie linebacker reunited with some big-time college teammates

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Georgia Bulldogs holds the trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Championship held at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There are a lot of interesting storylines in the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 undrafted free-agent rookie class.

Yet, one of the coolest is a reunion after five years between two new key Raiders’ veteran linebackers and a undrafted rookie play the position.

Some may not realize it, by rookie signing Xavien Sorey has Raiders’ ties.

The Arkansas linebacker began his college career in 2021 at Georgia. He was there for three seasons before transferring to Arkansas.

When Sorey was a freshman linebacker on their eventual National Championship team, he was behind star linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker before they declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

Both Dean and Walker, of course, are now with the Raiders. The team signed them within minutes of each other on the first day of free agency to be keys to the middle of they defense.

Now, a third Bulldogs’ linebacker from the national championship squad in the building in the form of Sorey.

It will be a fun reunion for the Georgia trio and the two veterans should be a terrific mentors to Sorey as he begins the uphill battle to try to make the Raiders’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie this summer.

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