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Analyzing the Oakland Raiders’ defense

By Sayre Bedinger

Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52), cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) and cornerback David Amerson (29) at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52), cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) and cornerback David Amerson (29) at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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DEFENSIVE LINE

The Raiders’ defensive line has potential to be the backbone of the defensive reload and undoubtedly the greatest asset is Khalil Mack, a budding superstar who is technically listed as a defensive end.

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is sacked by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is sacked by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Mack plays a number of spots to get pressure on quarterbacks, but is also one of the league’s best run defenders regardless of position. He had 77 tackles, 15 sacks, and two forced fumbles a year ago, five of those sacks coming in one game against the Denver Broncos.

With Mack, the entire scope of the Raiders’ defense changes. Superstar play elevates the game of everyone else around him, and that’s exactly what I think we’ll see with Mack going forward. He’s going to command the attention of every offensive gameplan, opening opportunities for other players on this defensive front to apply pressure and get one-on-one situations.

Mario Edwards Jr. was a second round draft pick in 2015 who had a neck injury that some thought could be career-threatening. He returned to the field in mid-June, and appears to be healthy and ready for action when the Raiders open training camp in July.

If Edwards Jr. is healthy, he will undoubtedly be a key part of this defensive front, providing the ability to play inside and outside. Though he’s not necessarily a pass rush specialist, he’s capable of collapsing the pocket from a number of spots and should help create opportunities for other guys around him with his athletic ability.

The other key piece of this Raiders defensive line is tackle Dan Williams, a former free agent acquisition from the Arizona Cardinals. The former first round pick proved his worth as a run stuffer and gap clogger this past season, his first in Oakland.

Along with Williams on the interior is Justin Ellis, a player that has started 23 games over the last two seasons but has yet to record a career sack. The former Louisiana Tech product is a massive 335 pounds, and combined with Williams, he gives the Raiders a force on the interior against the run but not much in terms of an interior rush.

Denico Autry stepped up and started eight games last season, recording three sacks to go along with 22 tackles and three batted passes, but the Raiders need more in terms of a pass rush from the front line.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

With their size and versatility, the Raiders can play a 4-3 or 3-4 front with a number of intriguing different combinations on the defensive line, and part of that rotation this year is going to be second round pick Jihad Ward, who is going to be counted on to be the one to provide the interior rush that has been missing…

Ward is more of a project than most people would like to believe, but his overall length and athletic ability are outstanding and he has huge potential. As a rookie, the Raiders are likely going to try and get Ward in some situations where he can get matched up on-on-one with tackles and guards, trying to use his length and quickness. to create problems from the inside.

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