2018 Oakland Raiders Training Camp: From A-Z

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden (L) and Raiders owner Mark Davis pose for a photograph during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden (L) and Raiders owner Mark Davis pose for a photograph during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Miles Sanders #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a short gain as defensive tackle Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop during the first quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Miles Sanders #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a short gain as defensive tackle Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop during the first quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Bolstered Defensive Line

The Raiders needed to do something about their defensive line this offseason, as it was viewed as one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster. Last season, the Raiders were poor against the rush, and getting push up front on defense, so it would make sense that this would be a priority this offseason.

First, the Raiders re-signed Justin Ellis, inking him to a three-year extension. Then, the team drafted two defensive tackles in the 2018 NFL Draft, including one in the second round, as they nabbed P.J. Hall from Sam Houston State. In the fifth round, they may have got the steal of the draft, as the drafted Maurice Hurst from Michigan.

Prior to a heart issue being detected at the NFL Scouting Combine, Hurst was viewed as a first round talent. After the heart issue, which was cleared by Harvard and Michigan, teams were afraid to go after him, but the Raiders did their homework, and traded up to get him in round five.

With the interior of the line upgraded, the Raiders also made the decision to move Bruce Irvin to the defensive end position in a full-time role. With Irvin and Mack on the edges of Paul Guenther’s 4-3 defense, the Raiders are going to be much better up front on defense in 2018.