The Las Vegas Raiders need to continue building on their pass rush.
Having Maxx Crosby means the Raiders will likely have one spot figured out, but the team is trying to find more options. K’Lavon Chaisson is emerging as a nice complementary piece, while others have stepped up after injuries took down defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and edge rusher Malcolm Koonce.
While edge rusher might not be as pressing a need as other positions, adding depth is never a bad idea. In an AFC West where the Raiders see Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix twice a year, a deep and consistent pass rush is necessary to survive.
So who can the Raiders target to add to their arsenal?
Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
One of the most athletic edge rushers available, Stewart is one of the more prolific pass rushers the Raiders.
Stewart has NFL-caliber athletic traits and mental processing that ensures he can earn a significant role right away. He has an array of pass-rushing moves that allow him to get off of blockers before moving quickly by them to get to the quarterback.
Michigan has also been willing to use Stewart in a variety of situations. He has some tools to use against the run and has even been asked to drop back in coverage in certain schemes, highlighting his versatility.
While Stewart can afford to get stronger, the makings of a three-down tone-setter on the edh
Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
A name that has emerged later in the season, Ivey is the type of prospect the Raiders typically love.
The first thing that stands out about Ivey is his size. Sporting a six-foot-five, 285-pound frame, he already had an NFL-ready frame that can be set anywhere on the defensive line.
The natural strength Ivey possesses comes into play often during his play, as he anchors down on all three downs, converts speed to power, and bulldozed opponents with a fearsome bull rush.
How Ivey continues to develop his game will ultimately determine his ceiling. If he can develop a strong pass-rushing arsenal that extends beyond his power, the Raiders could have a scary duo with him and Crosby in the next couple of years.
David Walker, Central Arkansas
To round out this group, a closer look should be taken at one of the best small school prospects in the nation.
Another athletically gifted edge rusher, Walker earns his keep by exploding to the line of scrimmage and leveraging his way through opponents. The way he consistently gets pressure on the opposing quarterback is something that will appeal to a number of NFL teams.
Walker’s technique is also impressive, flashing a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves and the ability to time plays out and know when to make his move. The only issues he may have are his below-average length and the obvious jump from FCS to NFL competition.
With the Combine and postseason all-star games, how Walker performs by comparison to his peers from bigger conferences will be crucial in determining his stock.
