Five Late Round Prospects Oakland Raiders Should Target

Alex McCalister, Defensive End, Florida

The Raiders have down an excellent job picking at the top of round two in recent years. Two years ago they were able to get their franchise quarterback in Derek Carr and this past season they took former Florida State standout Edwards Jr.

Edwards impressed in his first year managing 42 tackles, two sacks, and three forced fumbles in 14 games. He will most likely be the starting defensive end across from Khalil Mack.

That is, of course, if Edwards stays healthy. Edwards has been dealing with a neck issue that was once considered career threatening. Coach Del Rio and Reggie McKenzie have seemed  more optimistic recently though.

"“He’s doing great and it’s all about giving him time. We’re in no hurry” – Reggie McKenzie on Edwards’ injury “We love Mario. Great young man, really had a nice year for us last year. He feels good and that will be determined at some point in the off season, but we remain optimistic” Del Rio on Edwards’ injury"

It looks as if Edwards will be able to play in some capacity this season. But the team should be looking for additional help just in case his neck injury does flare up.

The Raiders already have backup defensive ends Denico Autry, Shelby Harris and Colton Underwood on the roster. But none of them have accumulated more than 22 tackles in a season. Autry is the only one of the bunch who has more than one sack in his career.

The team should be looking at some talented defensive ends who could fill in a rotation of questionable backups.

One player they should look at is Alex McCalister out of Florida.

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McCalister is 6’6″ and 239 pounds, comparable to that of former first overall pick of the Texans Jadeveon Clowney, who stands also stands 6’6″. Clowney weighs 270 though, whereas McCalister is only 239. McCalister would have to bulk up to fit his frame.

McCalister’s bigger issues come off the field. He was suspended for the season opener his junior season for a violation of University Athletic Association policy and then was dismissed from the program for violation of team rules.

The Raiders have been known to take a chance on talented players with off field issues. The team recently signed Aldon Smith to a two-year contract. The Raiders should take a chance on McCalister and hopes he improves his character in the NFL.

If they were to take a chance they would be getting quite the athlete. McCalister finished eighth among defensive lineman in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.80, he also finished ninth in the vertical jump among defensive lineman with a 34.5″ jump.

McCalister’s two best events were the broad jump and the 20-yard shuttle. He led both events with 10’8″ and 4.80 seconds, respectively. Clearly McCalister is an extremely athletic player. If he can bulk up and still maintain his athleticism he can be quite the force in the NFL.

McCalister is no slouch on the field either. In 2014, his first year coming back from injury he racked up 23 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and six sacks. That becomes more impressive when you realize he was playing backup to former third-overall pick Dante Fowler. McCalister’s first year as a starter he totaled 26 tackles, nine and a half tackles for a loss and six and a half sacks.

McCalister’s weaknesses are his weight, mechanics and off field behavior. But all those things can be fixed. If the Raiders can get him to gain some muscle, learn the right system and stay out of trouble they can be getting a great rotational player and maybe future starter in the later rounds of the NFL draft.

Next: Linebacker