Fansided
Fansided

AFC West players in danger of the bust label

By Sayre Bedinger

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos walks on to the field for their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos walks on to the field for their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 26: La’el Collins #71 of the Dallas Cowboys tries to protect Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys as he is hit by Shilique Calhoun #91 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 26: La’el Collins #71 of the Dallas Cowboys tries to protect Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys as he is hit by Shilique Calhoun #91 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Oakland Raiders: Shilique Calhoun, DE

The jury is still out on a number of players for the Raiders who may be up for ‘bust’ consideration.

2017 second-round pick Obi Melifonwu at safety needs to find himself an expanded role in the Raiders’ defense in year two, and last year’s first rounder Gareon Conley needs to step up and have a big year this year as well.

The Raiders, however, have a surprising player on the defensive line that has been unable to produce in his first two years in the NFL.

Former Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun put together a dominant performance in the Big Ten championship game at the end of the 2015 season against Iowa and had an excellent career as a member of the Spartans.

Next: Trade Machine: Khalil Mack to Packers?

He was a third-round pick in 2016 so expectations weren’t too high, but the Raiders picked him at number 75 overall and he’s produced just 0.5 sacks in two seasons (19 games).

The Raiders have needed a pass-rushing presence on the opposite side of the field from Khalil Mack and to this point, it’s been a shame that he hasn’t been able to get it going.

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