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5 Oakland Raiders who could make first Pro Bowl in 2018

By John Buhler

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Karl Joseph No. 42 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after sacking the quarterback and recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 45-20. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Karl Joseph No. 42 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after sacking the quarterback and recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 45-20. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Orleans Darkwa No. 26 of the New York Giants is tackled by Bruce Irvin No. 51 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Orleans Darkwa No. 26 of the New York Giants is tackled by Bruce Irvin No. 51 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. player. 28. . EDGE. West Virginia Mountaineers. Bruce Irvin

If not now, when? Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin has been a good, but not great player for years with the Seattle Seahawks and the Raiders after coming out of West Virginia. At his best, Irvin has shown that he can be the best pass rusher on a great team for maybe a game or three each season. However, a 10-sack season and a Pro Bowl nod has alluded him so far.

Though his 2017 season got off to a slow start, Irvin’s game definitely got better once John Pagano took over the defense for Irvin’s guy in former defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. Irvin largely signed with the Raiders in 2016 free agency because of his previous working relationship with Norton in Seattle.

Yes, he was upset when Norton was fired mid-season, but the Raiders pass rush became more menacing and multi-faceted with Pagano in charge of the defense. Irvin had one of his best seasons in the league in 2017. He was in the mix to have a 10-sack season and get to a Pro Bowl this past fall.

With Guenther and company taking over the defense, one would think that the new Raiders defensive staff will maximize guys like Khalil Mack and Irvin to take this bunch to new heights. Mack is already elite, but Irvin could go from good to great if he can make a few more plays this upcoming fall than he did last.

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