There is new hope for the Oakland Raiders’ pass-rush with the acknowledgement that they will make linebacker Bruce Irvin a full-time pass-rusher. Irvin will no longer be asked to play in coverage. That means he will mostly play defensive end. New defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is all about being aggressive and the new staff has
Pass-rush is still need for Oakland Raiders
Jihad Ward in and Shilque Calhoun ….. LMAO!!! 2 more garbage wastes of 2nd and 3rd round picks by the great Reggie ‘Reach for the raw prospect’ McKenzie
Weren’t they also trying to utilize James Cowser as pass rusher? Definitely need to find players that can spell Irvin and Mack over the course of a game.
Cowser is kind of a fringe guy. Perhaps this is his year.
Gruden will be drafting players he feels will produce. Several of them from day one.
He has some ammunition to move around.
I don’t think he will be reaching for players. He will look to fill needs when the opportunity arises.
I also believe that coordinators and position coaches will have serious input on players we take from the 5th round on.
And as I have said before, we need this draft to be a homerun. Some quality starters and good depth.
Bill, pass rushers aren’t limited to Defensive Ends or so-called Edge guys. Defensive Tackles can also be pass rushers, and that’s the true weakness of this club. I’m still not sold on Edwards and Jelly. Get me Vita Vea, Maurice Hurst or someone, anyone who can provide a pass rush from inside. Whether it’s via the draft, a free agent or a trade. Jelly got paid and Edwards has “a high ceiling”. Well, then get off the floor, Edwards! So frustrating year after year watching the middle of the Defense get shredded by the run and providing zero push up the middle on passing downs.
Why haven’t we went after DT Hankins. He was released by the colts 4-3 guy that’s young and good.????
That is a curious one, Kurt. Moreso that Hankins hasn’t been signed by any team. In terms of the Raiders, yes, Hankins would help them out immensely inside. Best guess is, Hankins is asking for too much right now, a la Navorro Bowman, and waiting until he is sure that he can’t find a team to throw gobs of cash at his feet before he signs with a team.
Raiders will be searching for an interior pass rusher in the draft
Gruden keeps bringing this up and thus it’s an area of priority
In terms of the Raiders, yes, Hankins would help them out immensely inside.