The Raiders recently signed undrafted free agent Kaelin Burnett from the University of Nevada. Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie has talked about wanting players who are versatile and head coach Dennis Allen has also talked about being “multiple.” Burnett played both as a linebacker and DE in his 3 years at Nevada, after transferring from Delta State. He also played extensively on special teams.
Burnett is listed as being 6’4″, 255 lbs. His career stats at the University of Nevada include 93 tackles, 10 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. He projects as a 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. The Raiders will likely use some of both this season.
You can follow him on Twitter @WhoDAtBeezy.
Interview:
Q: What is your home town/state?
Burnett: Los Angeles,CA
Q: What team did you support growing up?
Burnett: I’ve have always supported the teams my brother has been a part of (Cowboys, Chargers, Dolphins) but times have changed; now I look forward to someday competing against him.
Q: Who was your idol growing up?
Burnett: No question it’s Julius Peppers. The way he attacks the quarter back is unbelievable, his leadership skills are just as sensational as his on field talent. The way he plays the game has changed the outlook of the defensive end position, not only for my generation but generations long after.
Q: What are your strengths as a player? What do you bring to the team?
Burnett: I bring intensity, my motor is continuous and my versatility has been a great asset to my game. I not only play DE but I can also be a productive LB for the Raiders. Last but not least my speed off the edge is something that I can hang my hat on. I’m just looking forward to being able to contribute wherever they need me to get the Raider nation back to a championship.
Q: Why did you choose the Raiders as a free agent?
Burnett: Oakland felt like home. The Raiders seemed to have my best interests at heart and it felt like the best place for me to be as a player.
Q: Do you know anyone currently on the squad or coaching staff? What did
they tell you about the team?
Burnett: I don’t know anyone as of yet, although I do know there are some staff members who are alumni of Nevada like myself. I really liked what I saw last season and think our team has tremendous upside for years to come.
Q: Did you have any visits with the Raiders – in Alameda, at a pro day,
at the Combine or Senior Bowl? What was it like?
Burnett: Yes, I came for a visit after my pro day and it just felt like home, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Raider Nation.
Q: What hobbies do you have away from football?
Bunett: Off the field I love to relax with friends and family, play Call of Duty or NBA 2k and watch movies. Just recently, I started fishing and really enjoyed it. The Nation will have to fill me in on some good fishing spots in the bay area!
Q: You have a brother(Kevin Burnett LB,Miami),has he given you advice about being in the league?
Burnett: Kevin has always told me to have fun playing the game, play with passion and give my all to my team.
Q: Is there anything you’d like Raider Nation to know about you?
Burnett: Raider Nation is getting a player that is all in, I’m ready to go to battle with them. And of course, I’ll beat all you guys in Call of Duty or NBA 2k! (Playstation 3, Gamer Tag: Kae-B)
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to Raider Nation?
Burnett: We’re going to do big things this year. I look forward to being a contributing factor in the success of this great organization
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