The Senior Bowl rosters were announced on Wednesday morning, providing a complete look at the North squad the Raiders coaching staff will guide through a practice week and the Jan. 26 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
Prized Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen isn’t on either roster despite a previous commitment to play the Senior Bowl -- he was expected to be on the South squad coached by the 49ers -- a bummer for all sides to be sure.
There are plenty of quality edge rushers on both sides, which will help Jon Gruden, Raiders scouts, and coaches get a close look at their biggest position of need.
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Boston College pass rusher Zach Allen headlines the North Squad’s defensive ends and is someone commonly projected to go later in the first round or early in the second.
The Raiders, as a matter of fact, have three draft picks in that window. Their first pick sits at No. 4 overall, followed by 24, 27 and 35.
Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat was assigned to the North team, but the Raiders will still get to scout him in 49ers' run practices and see him play up close.
Most of the coaches’ time will be spent with the North side.
NFL
Let’s take a look at edge rusher on that team, which the Raiders will get a long look at this week:
Zach Allen, Boston College, 6-5, 285
Widely considered the top edge prospect on the North squad, Allen has burst and bend to get around tackles and to the quarterback. Analysts say he has a high ceiling and is a scheme-versatile defender. He’s solid against the run who can generate steady pressure. Impressing Raiders coaches could help him end up in silver and black with one of the team’s high picks.
Projected: Early rounds
Charles Omenihu, Texas, 6-6, 275
This big, agile defensive lineman is considered by many to be a top 50 pick, and a solid Senior Bowl week could secure such draft status. He was the best pass rusher in a Big XII not known for defense, but had a breakout senior year with 9.5 sacks. He can be a complete player impactful against the run and pass, without significant weaknesses. He hustles, plays with violence and is explosive. Keep an eye on him all week.
Projected: Early rounds
Jalen Jelks, Oregon, 6-6, 245
Jelks is super fast off the edge, and can use speed to create havoc off the edge. He also has great length, which helps him as a run defender. He isn’t the biggest pass rusher at 245 pounds, and while he’s a powerful player, he has a long way to go in terms of technique. He might be better suited for a 3-4 defense, but the Raiders can determine working with him whether he can fit into their system.
Projected: Early to middle rounds
L.J. Collier, TCU, 6-4, 276
Collier finished his senior season with six sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss, but is considered a later-round selection due to a lack of explosiveness and lackluster bend and flexibility. Analysts say he’s good taking advantage of poor blocking technique, but that won’t happen much at the NFL level. He should be considered a developmental prospect, though he has the competitive streak to push for continued improvement.
Projected: Late rounds
Byron Cowart, Maryland, 6-4, 293
This top prep recruit bounced around in college, from Auburn to a junior college and finally to Maryland. He has great size and athleticism, but should still be considered a project with a high upside. He must flash during the Senior Bowl to rise up draft boards
Projected: Late rounds
John Cominsky, Charleson 6-5, 275
The Senior Bowl offers small-school projects a chance to shine, and Cominsky must use the practice week to prove he can compete against the big boys. He had 39.5 tackles for a loss in the past two years.
Projected: Late rounds
[RELATED: 49ers, Raiders staffs to coach Senior Bowl]
Here’s the full North roster: