Oakland Raiders: Edge Rusher Options Outside of Round 1

Bronson Kaufusi, DE BYU 

Though former BYU defensive end Bronson Kaufusi will best translate to the NFL as a 3-4 defensive end, the Raiders would still benefit from his ability as a pass rusher at defensive end in Norton Jr.’s hybrid schemes.

With the Cougars, Kaufusi played under his father and current BYU defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi. As a coach’s son, Kaufusi has developed a strong work ethic both on and off the field, as his relentless effort is visible on any given down.

In 2015, Kaufusi accumulated a career-high 19.5 tackles for loss (10.5 sacks), per CFBStats.com.

At 6’6”, 285 pounds, Kaufusi benefits from his ideal size and length in both the passing game and against the run, as he an easily create separation between him and offensive linemen due to his polished hand technique and clear understanding of what it takes to make plays in the backfield. When he does create separation, Kaufusi can easily shed the man in front of him to either attack the quarterback or bring down the ball carrier in the backfield.

According to PFF.com, Kaufusi had 48 defensive stops (third among all interior defensive linemen), and he earned the second highest run-stop percentage among 3-4 defensive ends.

Against the pass, Kaufusi does rely on his athleticism at times to race by offensive linemen with minimal contact, but the level of success he had doing just that is surprising. A former power forward on BYU’s basketball team, Kaufusi possesses some sudden athleticism that scouts don’t normally see in a guy his size.

During the Senior Bowl, Kaufusi reportedly won 57 percent of his one-on-one pass-rush reps during the practice week before the game.

Like a few guys previously mentioned on this list, Kaufusi will have to add some weight to his lower half in order to better play the run against double teams and effectively get by some of the stronger offensive linemen in one-on-one situations.

Given his potential, Oakland would find value in Kaufusi if he were selected in the fifth or sixth round. Like Nassib, Kaufusi would have to dedicate a majority of his time to the weight room and the kitchen before he sees the field in the NFL.