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Oakland Raiders: 10 prospects to watch in the Senior Bowl

By Brad Weiss

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 27: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates after the Eagles stopped the Florida State Seminoles on a fourth down during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 27: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates after the Eagles stopped the Florida State Seminoles on a fourth down during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Edge Defenders

The biggest hole on this Raiders roster in 2018 was on the edge, as the team traded away Khalil Mack prior to the season, and got nothing from Bruce Irvin. While 2018 third rounder Arden Key has the skill set to be a dominant player, he just is not there yet, and the Raiders need to make sure they add to this position group this offseason.

Zach Allen, Edge, Boston College

One of the more elite edge rushers in the 2019 NFL Draft, Zach Allen is a guy the Raiders are going to have to get in the first round if they want him this April. He has all the tools to be a legitimate double-digit sack guy at the next level, and would be a perfect compliment to Key in Paul Guenther’s 4-3 scheme.

As a team, Oakland got to the quarterback only 13 times, with defensive tackle Maurice Hurst leading the way with four. That cannot happen next season, and you can be sure that Gruden and his staff will take a long look at every defensive end this draft class has to offer.

Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi State

Like Allen, Montez Sweat from Mississippi State is another guy who is slated for the first round, and is one of the more versatile defensive linemen in this draft class. Sweat can play all over the defensive line, and is as strong as he is quick. Expect him to go in the second half of the first round in 2019.

Jalen Jelks, Edge, Oregon

Jalen Jelks is not currently listed as a first round talent, but is someone who could end up making a serious impact at the NFL level. Jenks was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, so the Gruden and his staff will have more than enough time to grade him out before the NFL Draft this upcoming April.

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