2018 Oakland Raiders Training Camp: Five burning questions on defense
By Brad Weiss
Who starts at defensive tackle opposite Justin Ellis?
The Raiders defensive line was atrocious on the interior last season, as they failed to get any kind of push for the edge rushers. Despite that, Khalil Mack once again had a tremendous season, and Bruce Irvin tied a career-high with eight sacks.
Heading into the 2018 offseason, this area became a priority for Gruden and company, and they wasted no time getting started. The Raiders signed Justin Ellis to a three-year extension, and when it came time for the 2018 NFL Draft, they spent two of their nine selections on defensive tackles.
With training camp around the corner, some players have already been on display this offseason for the coaching staff. One name that is being thrown around with the ones is Maurice Hurst, who would have been a top draft pick back in April had a heart issue not scared away the rest of the NFL
Hurst has been cleared by the doctors, and with Eddie Vanderdoes coming back from an ACL, the rookie from Michigan should get the first shot at the position. He was drafted three rounds after fellow draft pick P.J. Hall, but at this point, Hurst is the top guy to play alongside Ellis in Paul Guenther’s 4-3 defense, and he shows no signs of giving up that spot.