Inconspicuous edge rusher draft prospects the Las Vegas Raiders should target

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden on the field for warmups before facing the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, on East Rutherford.Nyj Vs Oak
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden on the field for warmups before facing the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, on East Rutherford.Nyj Vs Oak /
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The Raiders have gotten nothing out of Arden Key. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Raiders have gotten nothing out of Arden Key. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

It’s no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders couldn’t generate sacks in 2020, so maybe these two prospects could be of some assistance.

The Silver and Black have talent along their defensive line, there’s no disputing that, as the Las Vegas Raiders have invested heavily upfront on that side of the ball in recent drafts, and in free agency. However, whether it was Paul Guenther’s scheme or something else, the unit did an atrocious job of getting to opposing quarterbacks.

Maxx Crosby regressed, unable to replicate the success of his rookie year with coordinators accounting for ’98’ every play. Clelin Ferrell had a solid season, as he generated plenty of pressures in 2020, showing flashes of brilliance, though he couldn’t finish the job accounting for only two sacks. While the film shows Ferrell improved overall, more is needed from the Raiders’ defensive ends.

It would behoove Raiders general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden to pick up an edge defender in April. Arden Key, at this point, should no longer be on this roster, as for all his posturing, ’99’ made zero impact on the team. Las Vegas does have some veterans already looking to make the team next season, but the team needs talented youth.

Let’s take a look at some under-the-radar prospects that could help elevate the pass rush depending on who’s the defensive coordinator in 2021.