Arizona State LB Darien Butler signs with Las Vegas Raiders as UDFA
Apr 30, 2022, 5:15 PM | Updated: 9:39 pm
Darien Butler #LB07 of Arizona State runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Arizona State linebacker Darien Butler has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders, ASU football announced on Saturday.
Butler is also reunited with former ASU defensive coordinator, associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Antonio Pierce, who is now a Raiders’ linebackers coach.
The three-time Sun Devil captain joins tight end Curtis Hodges (Washington Commanders) and offensive linemen Kellen Diesch (Miami Dolphins) and Dohnovan West (San Francisco 49ers), as former Sun Devils to have signed as UDFAs following the conclusion of Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Butler made the All-Pac-12 second team in 2021 after racking up 86 total tackles and three interceptions as a leader on defense.
He had 18 tackles for loss or no gain which ranked as the eighth most in the country among linebackers.
Butler played 40 games with ASU as a four-year starter after coming out of high school a three-star recruit.
Pro Football Focus gave him an 87.7 coverage grade — the best among linebackers in the Pac-12 last season.
NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein evaluated he could land in the seventh round.
Butler trimmed down and became a faster, more impactful player with increased range and better coverage. The three-time captain is the heart and soul of his defense and flies around looking to make a hit. He’s inconsistent at diagnosing the play, and his lack of length and poise stymie his finishing rate as a tackler. Butler’s toughness, cover talent and potential to help on special teams gives him a shot to make a squad despite his lack of physical traits.
