Irvin moves to DE full-time
Since coming over to the Oakland Raiders, Bruce Irvin has started every game he was eligible for in the Silver and Black. Playing outside linebacker for the team last season, Irvin tied a career high with eight sacks, but he could be in for an even better season in 2018.
In 2018, Irvin will make the move to defensive end full-time, putting him back at the position where he can cause the most havoc. He is incredibly gifted at getting after the quarterback, and is a major upgrade over Mario Edwards Jr., who was the starter opposite Khalil Mack last season.
Speaking of Mack, he is going to benefit from having Irvin lined up on the other side of the line, giving the team two guys that should reach double-digit sacks this season. Irvin is still in his prime, and after getting his degree this offseason, he is ready to take on a leadership role on this defense once again this season.
The Raiders upgraded the interior of the defensive line as well, which should take some of the pressure off of Mack and Irvin this season. With a new defensive coordinator in Paul Guenther, this Raiders defense is going to look a lot different this season, and Irvin is a guy to keep an eye on this summer as he makes the full-time transition to the edge.