The Las Vegas Raiders signed David Irving Tuesday. While his resume speaks for itself, when can we expect to see him make an impact on the field?
When we play Madden on video game consoles, it’s easy. You sign a player and boom, he’s ready to go in a few minutes. Sometimes, that train of thought permeates into real life, immediate expectations. Sure, David Irving can bring something special to the Las Vegas Raiders defensive line but exercise some patience.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden provided a measured response when asked what Irving brings to the defense during Wednesday’s media press conference (starts at 5:15).
"I don’t know. We’re just excited to have an opportunity to help him rejuvenate his career. We’re going to help dust him off. We’re going to see where he is. I don’t make any predictions. He’s not been in football in some time. I’m looking forward to putting him in Silver and Black and see what happens. He’s got a resume but nothing recent."
Based on those comments, the Raiders won’t fast-track David Irving‘s progress. The 6-7, 290-pounder played under defensive line coach Rod Marinelli for four seasons between 2015 and 2018, but he hasn’t suited up for a football game since October of 2018. Two years later, he’ll work on his reintroduction to the league.
Gruden didn’t dig deep into what Irving accomplished with the Dallas Cowboys, his versatility as an inside-out pass-rusher or specific numbers, but as the Raiders head coach said, “he’s got a resume.” Here it is, all 12.5 career sacks, posted by Marcus Mosher of Raiders Wire:
Here is every sack in #Cowboys DL David Irving's career: pic.twitter.com/oxyhqDqb2n
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) June 11, 2018
Because of Irving’s inactivity, we cannot expect him to pick up where he left off right away. In fact, the Raiders signed him to the practice squad, which allows the coaches to assess his conditioning and recommitment to the game. Once he passes the eye test, the 27-year-old will receive the call up to the active roster.
How long will that take?
We could see Irving in Silver and Black for a regular-season game in a week. The Raiders officially signed him Tuesday. As a rotational defensive lineman, he doesn’t need to look absolutely fantastic before his official debut.
Despite an impressive showing against the Kansas City Chiefs, sacking Patrick Mahomes three times, Vegas needs immediate help in pushing the pocket. The defense is tied for 20th in quarterback pressures (47) through Week 6.
Irving can play a limited role and provide a huge impact next week on the road against the Cleveland Browns. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Baker Mayfield is one of the worst quarterbacks when under pressure with a 22.6 passer rating, which ranks as the second-lowest mark among starting signal-callers.
In Week 4, middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski returned to action, and the defense didn’t allow more than 80 rushing yards in either of the last two games. If the unit can slow down the Browns’ league-leading rushing attack, Mayfield would have to use his arm to move the ball downfield. Irving can apply pressure and force him to make more errant throws.
Thereafter, the Raiders can steadily ramp up Irving’s snap count based on how the 27-year-old’s body responds and his ability to pick up Paul Guenther’s defensive scheme.
In the best-case scenario, the Raiders acquired a player who can cover up for defensive tackle Maliek Collins‘ lackluster performances (three tackles in four games) and move outside in case Carl Nassib takes fewer snaps as he deals with a broken big toe.