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Las Vegas Raiders: 3 free agent edge rushers to consider

By Mario O. Tovar

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01: Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock smiles while talking with Raiders owner Mark Davis prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01: Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock smiles while talking with Raiders owner Mark Davis prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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Raiders need to add more talent at the defensive end. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Raiders need to add more talent at the defensive end. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

A priority in the offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders will be to boost their pass rush, these three EDGE free agents could help.

Unless you’ve been living on the moon, the Las Vegas Raiders were dreadful in 2020 in terms of rushing quarterbacks. Defensive Clelin Ferrell improved dramatically this past season but more is still needed from him. Especially when you consider he was the fourth overall pick two seasons ago and before this year, he was seen as mostly a run stopper.

Maxx Crosby, who was a rookie revelation did not notch as many sacks this season either, but he was double-teamed quite often.

While sacks themselves are just part of what constitutes a good defense, they’re still a critical factor. Yes, the Raiders generated pressure thanks mostly to Ferrell, but the sacks have to go up. The team did pick up veterans such as Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley during the season, though we’re still unclear on what, if any, future role they’ll have.

While drafting an EDGE prospect is plausible, here are three free agents that could be of some use.

Bud Dupree

The former 22nd overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft was a mixed bag for most of his stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, this year, Bud Dupree really elevated his game. Overall, Dupree accumulated 11.5 sacks and had four forced fumbles in 2019.

As far as this year, Dupree managed eight sacks with 15 QB hits. As a side note, Dupree had 24 tackles for a loss in that two-year span.

A torn ACL back in Week 12 ended his season prematurely, no doubt he would’ve ended with similar or better numbers than 2019. Pro Football Focus graded Dupree’s pass-rushing at 61.2 this season. If he’s healthy, the Raiders might be able to afford him since his injury will affect how much money he can command.

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