MOBILE, Ala. – Paul Guenther doesn’t like playing rookies extensively on defense at any position. Last year, the Raiders defensive coordinator had three on the defensive line alone.
Defensive end Arden Key and tackle Maurice Hurst were fixtures. P.J. Hall also played a ton.
They were heavily involved but didn’t produce steadily because, in all honesty, they had water overhead.
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Key had once sack. Hurst was strong, but wore down as the season wore on. Hall got hurt early and never rolling even with a lighter load.
Guenther expects that trio to grow and thrive starting next year, after a full offseason’s training and prep. He readily admits, however, that those kids need help.
“If we can supplement those guys, we’ll be in good shape,” Guenther said Wednesday from the Senior Bowl. “When we drafted them, we didn’t anticipate them being our bell cows right off the bat.
“First and foremost, they got a lot of experience in their first year. I haven’t started many rookies in my career, let alone rookie defensive linemen for that long a stretch. If we can bring in guys who are different, and mix it up a bit on the D-line, last year’s draft picks will get better from Year 1 to Year 2.”
The Raiders have four picks in the top 35, including the fourth overall selection. Many project an early run on defensive line, starting with Nick Bosa as the presumptive top pick.
It’s also a deep group up front. There isn’t anyone here worthy of the No. 4 overall pick, but there’s plenty of quality he’s working with here at the Senior Bowl who could help him generate pressure.
Guenther is keeping a close eye on the edge rushers on the North and South squad. The Raiders are running the North, a group lead by Texas’ Charles Omenihu, TCU’s L.J. Collier, Oregon’s Jalen Jelks and Boston College’s Zach Allen.
The best pass rushers might be on the South, being trained by the 49ers, lead by Lousiana Tech’s Jaylon Ferguson and Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat.
“We have some guys on our end who are moving well on the line, and there are some intriguing guys on the other team as well,” Guenther said. “There are four or five guys we’re really excited about here, guys who should be taken in the top half of the NFL draft.”