Oakland Raiders: 5 players that make sense at No. 24 overall
By Brad Weiss
Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi State
If the Oakland Raiders decide to go with a guy like Quinnen Williams from Alabama with the No. 4 overall pick, and still need an edge rusher at No. 24, they could wind up with Montez Sweat from Mississippi State. A versatile defensive lineman, Sweat is a guy who could become a double-digit sack man at the next level, and the Raiders need all the help they can get in the pass rush department.
Last season, the Raiders were historically bad at getting after the quarterback, as they ended the year with only 13 sacks as a team. Maurice Hurst, a rookie defensive tackle, led the way with four, so there was obviously a serious lack of penetration coming from the defensive end positions.
After trading away Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin was supposed to step up and lead the group, but he was released during the season. Rookie Arden Key played well, but is raw, so you have to think he takes the next step forward in 2019, and teamed with Sweat, the Raiders would have two good, young edge rushers.