2021 NFL Draft: Edge rushers the Las Vegas Raiders should target

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 31: Defensive end Ronnie Perkins #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs into the offensive backfield during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 31: Defensive end Ronnie Perkins #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs into the offensive backfield during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
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Oakland Raiders
Raiders draft options at edge rusher. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders have issues on both sides of the ball heading into the offseason, but the defense is where they really need to have their focus. General manager Mike Mayock has stated that this team lacks playmakers on all three levels of the defense, which is something that should worry fans of the team head into next season.

For years now, the Raiders have struggled to generate much pressure or sacks on opposing quarterbacks. Even with former All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack terrorizing lineman for the Silver and Black, the squad as a whole lacked sack production.

Now, the Raiders have Maxx Crosby as their top pass rusher, and he too has no help despite spending a fourth overall pick on Clelin Ferrell, who has been solid against the run, but hasn’t made much impact rushing the passer.

This EDGE class is considered rather weak compared to most years but there is still some talent to be found within it, and the Raiders should at least heavily consider adding some pass-rush through the draft post-free agency.

Here are five I believe should get a hard look.

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