Oakland Raiders: Most Surprising Moves On Cut Down Day
By Kevin Saito
Sep 3, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback B.J. Daniels (5) picks up a first down as he runs past Oakland Raiders defensive end Max Valles (94) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Max Valles Doesn’t Make The Squad
As a sixth round pick, the fact that Max Valles didn’t make the 53 man squad shouldn’t be that big of a surprise. It was going to be tough for Valles to crack the roster with the depth and talent the Raiders have on the defensive line already. He was hurt by the fact that he didn’t get a lot of playing time, and the fact that second round pick Mario Edwards Jr. rebounded from a very shaky start to really shine late in the exhibition season.
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At 6′ 5”, 251 lbs., Valles has terrific size. And while at Virginia, he put together a couple of terrific seasons. In ten games as a freshman, Valles had four sacks. In twelve starts as a sophomore, he amassed nine sacks on the year – making his two year stats better than Edwards’ three year stats.
But the thinking was always that Valles was more of a project than anything. He has size and speed, but he needs polish and refinement to his game. If he can really learn the position and the nuances of the game, he can be a force off the edge in time.
Oakland is hoping that he will wind up on their practice squad where he can refine his game and become a menacing edge rusher.
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