Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin have carried the Raiders pass rush the past few years, without much help. Jon Gruden’s new coaching staff sought to change that, and drafted talent to improve a lacking interior pass rusher and add depth off the edge.
PJ Hall and Maurice Hurst are stout interior pass rushers and Arden Key can really bend off the edge and create havoc in the backfield.
Depth is vital, but star power is key. Mack will be the focal point of this attack, though Gruden and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther haven’t worked with him yet due to a contract holdout.
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Mack missed the entire offseason program, and him reporting to training camp Thursday morning with Raiders veterans would constitute a shock. Mack’s looking for a big money deal that both sides want but can’t agree on a value.
There’s no doubt Mack’s in great shape and can hit the ground running when he arrives, but planning for the season without him is tough. That’s especially true as Guenther installs a new defensive scheme. One reminder: L.A. Rams interior lineman Aaron Donald missed the entire preseason on a contract holdout and still won the Defensive Player of the Year award, so it shouldn’t mitigate Mack’s regular-season impact.
When he shows up, the Raiders will do everything possible and help him thrive.
Who’s Here
News
Ends: Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin, Arden Key, Fadol Brown, Tank Carradine, Frostee Rucker; Tackles: Mario Edwards Jr., Maurice Hurst, PJ Hall, Ahtyba Rubin, Shakir Soto, Eddie Vanderdoes, Justin Ellis, Treyvon Hester
Best Of The Bunch: Mack
There’s an argument easily made Mack’s the best of any bunch, the most dominant overall edge rusher in the NFL. His run play is outstanding, and his pass rush uses both power and technique to impact quarterbacks despite significant attention.
The 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year needs some help on the inside and across the line. The Raiders believe moving Bruce Irvin to the opposite edge full time and drafting Hurst and Hall will help free him up.
As defensive coordinator Paul Guenther likes to say, a one-on-one matchup for Mack is as good (or better) than a blitz. He’s working hard to create such situations, especially on third down.
Top Camp Battle: Edwards Jr. vs Hurst
The defensive tackle spot received some upgrades this offseason, when the Raiders selected Hall in the second round and Hurst in the fifth. Hurst has been impressive since turning pro, no shock considering the Michigan product was a first-round talent who dropped due to health concerns.
He could come in and play right away, even in the base defense. He’ll challenge for a spot that belonged to Edwards Jr. (and since-departed) Denico Autry last year. Edwards Jr. has the talent to produce steadily, but coaches love Hurst. He’ll have a real chance to start and be a heavy part of the interior defensive line rotation.
Longshot: Brown
The Mississippi product spent last season on the practice squad, but has impressed the new coaching staff and a good summer could help land a spot in the rotation. He has to earn it, but the 6-foot-4, 280-pound end has the size and talent required to be productive. Can he stand out in a competitive position group? Time will tell on that front.
Overview
This defensive line could be much better than recent seasons. There’s more talent and depth on the inside, Key could be the rotational pass rusher most teams covet. Guenther might not blitz much, but his players have the talent to get home with a four-man rush.