Oakland Raiders 2015 NFL Draft Grades
By Andrew
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (15) tries to sack Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mario Edwards Jr.
In the second round the Raiders went ahead and addressed their defense when they selected Mario Edwards Jr. a defensive end out of Florida State. I know many were disappointed with this pick as Randy Gregory, and Preston Smith were available at the time. To be frank this pick honestly felt like a reach. I know that there are some analysts that considered Edwards a first round prospect, but when I watched the tape I was disappointed.
At times he demonstrated excellent strength overpowering his competition, but far too often I saw an inability to shed blocks and pressure the quarterback. I did not see the potential that media talked about, I saw a player that really struggled and will need to grow quickly to meet the expectations of being selected by a team that needs to make the most out of all their picks. All in all I do not understand this pick.
Grade: C (but I hope I am wrong here)