Oakland Raiders: 4 UDFA’s Who Could Make The 53-Man Roster
By Kevin Saito
Nov 15, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; UNLV Rebels defensive lineman Josh Shirley (91) tackles Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Trey Dye (86) during the first quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Shirley – Defensive End
Shirley didn’t exactly have the best start to his college career. After starting off at UCLA, he was dismissed from the team for taking part in a campus theft. He made his way to the University of Washington where he played three seasons, before transferring again. This time, to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas where he played as a graduate transfer.
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In his final season at UNLV, Shirley didn’t put up eye popping numbers – twenty tackles and two sacks. But while at UW, Shirley showed an ability to rush the passer, collecting 8.5 sacks in 2011, and 6.5 in 2012.
At 6’3”, 230 lbs., he’s a little on the small side for a defensive end. But if he can learn to avoid letting himself get manhandled by the big, mauling tackles on the outside, use his quickness to his advantage, and show that he does indeed have the ability to get after the quarterback like he did at Washington, Shirley might be able to catch the eye of Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr.
The Raiders need help on the edge. With just seven sacks from their edge players – and twenty two overall – last season, Oakland has to find some hidden gems who can help them beef up their pass rush.
On paper, Shirley may not look like the ideal solution. But the game isn’t played on paper, and he could earn a spot on Oakland’s roster.
Next: Leon Orr