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Raiders: Ten players that are crucial to the 2018 season

By Thomas Wheaton

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Raiders
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 01: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

9. Maurice Hurst Jr.

This pick may be a little surprising, especially given the fact that it isn’t even a given that Hurst will see the field in 2018. However, if he does, he will have a huge impact for the silver and black. Similar to new teammate Arden Key, Hurst is a first-round talent based on his play. Unfortunately, a heart ailment was discovered at the combine, and he was sent home, plummeting his draft-stock.

Some experts said he would never play football again, but Michigan’s, Harvard’s, and the Raider’s medical teams cleared him. As a fifth round roll-of-the-dice, this pick makes a lot of sense. He fills a huge need at interior pass rush, and if he doesn’t pan out, he was only a fifth round pick. Looking at it more optimistically, I believe Hurst will be good to go this season and will wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines.

Combining Hurst with Mack, Irvin, and Key could be deadly. A once spineless defense is suddenly looking like more of a significant threat. Should he play, Hurst will be one of the more critical players for the Raiders in 2018.

8. Rashaan Melvin

Where is the area that the Raiders have been weakest in the last couple seasons? If you say linebacker you aren’t technically wrong, but cornerback is where I was thinking. Enter Melvin. For those that don’t know, Melvin was one of the better corners in the NFL in 2017. According to PFF, his overall grade of 85.7 ranked him at No. 17 overall.

He has bounced around the league since signing with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2013. But last season with Indianapolis earned him a deal with the Raiders. While it is only a one-year deal, if he plays well he can resign for more money. If not, the Raiders can let him walk.

With the void the Raiders have had at corner in recent years, Melvin is a breath of fresh air for Raiders fans. If he plays like he did for the Colts last year, Melvin will be a huge upgrade over last year’s corners. Melvin will be a crucial piece on defense next season, and hopefully will live up to the hype.

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