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NFL Pro Bowl: First-Timer Projections For All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Mario Edwards #97 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Mario Edwards #97 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Oakland Raiders

player. 28. . DE. Oakland Raiders. Mario Edwards Jr. . 25

People were ready to leave Mario Edwards for dead after the 2016 season. The former second round pick just didn’t seem to be getting it. Then there were signs of life last year. He delivered 3.5 sacks in 14 games. That’s far from great but it’s a sign that he might be starting to figure things out. It’s important to remember that Edwards is still 24-years old. He’s young and learning the pro game. Now Jon Gruden may have gotten him a big help.

New defensive line coach Mike Trgovac is one of the best at his job in the NFL. He had an extended run of success in Green Bay prior to joining the Raiders during which he developed multiple Pro Bowlers including Mike Daniels and B.J. Raji. His vast array of experience and teaching prowess is something Edwards hasn’t seen yet. The defensive end is no less talented now than when he was drafted. It may finally be his time to ascend.

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