Oakland Raiders: Grading Out The 2015 Draft Class

Nov 22, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (15) tackles Boston College Eagles running back Myles Willis (23) during the second half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: (35) DE Mario Edwards Jr.

The selection of Edwards this high is a bit of a risk, to be sure. It seemed certain that after taking Cooper in the first round, the Raiders would be taking a legit pass rusher in the second – their other glaring area of need. They didn’t get that with Edwards.

What they got was somebody who can do a fantastic job of helping stuff the run, but somebody who isn’t the fiercest of pass rushers. In his three years at Florida State, Edwards racked up a total of eight sacks. Eight. For an Oakland pass rush that really must improve on their 22 overall sacks on the season – with just seven of those coming from the defensive end position – the Raiders seem to have dropped the ball on this one.

At 6’3”, 294 pounds, Edwards has the size you want on your defensive line, but he’s not gifted with outstanding speed, though he has outstanding power. He’s considered a “raw” talent by scouts around the league. But some believe him to be a poor scheme fit, as he’s less effective as an end in a base 4-3 defense like Oakland runs.

The positive is that many feel he has a high ceiling, and that with the right coaching, and the right situation, he can be a force along the defensive front.

But all of the “if’s” that come with Edwards are a little disturbing. He seems like more of a project, and with prospects like Preston Smith, Nate Orchard and even Randy Gregory sitting there, Oakland passed up on more ready talent and took him a little too high – though it’s likely that Oakland coach Sal Sunseri, who worked with Edwards at Florida State, and knows him very well, had a lot to do with this pick.

If he develops into what the Raiders hope he develops into, this could turn out to be a solid pick. As it stands right now, it’s a crapshoot.

Grade: C

Next: Round Three: Clive Walford