Oakland Raiders: Five First Round Scenarios That Make Sense

Shaq Lawson – DE, Clemson

Clemson’s Lawson is without a doubt, one of the top five defensive ends in the draft. But there are quite a few mock drafts that have him slipping out of the top ten and possibly being available to the Raiders at fourteen.

If Lawson is there at fourteen, McKenzie shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger and get him into a Silver and Black jersey.

With Aldon Smith likely not due back until November at the earliest, and the still uncertain status of Mario Edwards Jr., the Raiders need some bodies who can rush the quarterback. Bringing in Bruce Irvin is going to help keep opposing teams from throwing all the bodies at Khalil Mack, but having a beast on the edge like Lawson to team with those two would give the Raiders’ defensive front some added teeth and flexibility.

At 6’3”, 270 lbs., Lawson has the size to play the edge, but he’s also got the speed to get around the corner, and the strength to shed blocks. Last season, Lawson notched 12.5 sacks and an eye-popping 24.5 tackles for a loss. He’s quick to get into the backfield and is fast enough to run down a ballcarrier from behind.

There are some who think that with Oakland’s defensive front as stacked as it seems, that another pass rusher is probably the last thing they need. But with Smith unavailable for a little while, and Edwards’ status still uncertain, they do still have a need at the position. Plus, as McKenzie himself said in a recent presser, you really can’t have too many pass rushers.

A defensive front of Mack, Irvin, Smith, Edwards, Justin Ellis, Dan Williams, and Lawson would be the stuff of nightmares for opposing quarterbacks and a dream for Raiders fans.

Next: Probably A Better Fit