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Oakland Raiders: What needs remain after the 2019 NFL Draft

By Jose Sanchez III

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 24: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after he sacked the quarterback against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 24: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after he sacked the quarterback against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Pass rush

For whatever reason it is, it seems Jon Gruden does not value pass rushers as a priority. Then again, it does kind of make sense since he’s offensive oriented. The Raiders defense recorded an atrocious 13 sacks last season. They couldn’t even average a sack a game. Even with the selection of Clelin Ferrell fourth overall the pass rush department is still lacking.

Sure, they added a last minute veteran like Benson Mayowa and have a potential solid player in Maxx Crosby. That still isn’t enough to expect a turnaround for this 13 sack defense. It felt like the Raiders would draft more players to aid their pass rush. Isn’t that why they neglected to address it in free agency?

I know they had to draft players based on who fell, so for that I’m glad they didn’t get desperate with their picks. But that’s exactly what is really strange to me. They didn’t really give much effort to try to reel in some pass rushing free agents. The Raiders are going to rely on rookie and second year players as their pass rush, which is not conducive for production. A veteran presence would’ve benefited all the young players.

As a rookie, Khalil Mack had Justin Tuck to be the tutor.  To this day, Mack still gives him some credit for his maturation. It just feels like they didn’t address pass rush as strongly as they really could’ve. A lot of pressure is gonna be on Ferrell and company to significantly improve the defensive pressure.

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