Neiron

Ball

Ball started just 16 games for the University of Florida, and is recovering from microfracture surgery. He’s a project for the Raiders, one who might begin the season on the reserve/PUP list.

Ball (6'3/236) started 16 games for the Gators, completing his career with 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. Littered with medical flags, Ball underwent microfracture knee surgery last November and brain surgery in 2011. Ball primarily played inside linebacker at UF, but projects as an athletic weak-side prospect and special teamer in the pros. Ball’s knee problems may force him to redshirt as an NFL rookie.

The fifth-round rookie was injured Week 7 against the Chargers and has been out ever since. He made two starts at inside linebacker, showing well in coverage. Ball underwent microfracture surgery in college.

A fifth-round rookie from Florida, Ball made a pair of starts before going down, amassing seven tackles and a sack. Ball’s knee woes date back years; he underwent microfracture surgery in November of 2014 and has a litany of medical red flags. Ball will return to compete for a roster spot in 2016.

Ball is dealing with a knee injury and did not practice all week. The rest are healthy scratches.

Lofton has been one of Pro Football Focus’ worst inside linebackers through three weeks, and Ball got the start and played 36 snaps to Lofton’s 22. Ball’s strength is in coverage, and he was used primarily to stop Broncos TE Owen Daniels. It worked, as Daniels recorded zero catches on five targets. The Raiders gave Lofton $10 million guaranteed in March after he was released by the Saints.

The 2015 fifth-round pick was battling a “rare congenital brain condition.” His only season of pro football was 2015. Ball had been battling the condition since his college years at Florida.