Oakland Raiders: 6 Players The Team Needs To Show Up Big In 2017

2 of 7

Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball over Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards (97) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Mario Edwards Jr.

The biggest contribution Mario Edwards Jr. can make is to stay healthy and on the field. With him in the lineup, the Raiders defensive line is better. Much better.

That’s been the trouble though – thus far, Edwards has had a hard time staying healthy and on the field.

Through his two seasons in the league, Edwards has missed a total of 16 – out of a possible 32 – games due to injury. Last season, he played in just two games and didn’t have much of an impact in either one. But given that he missed the season’s first 14 games, getting his first taste of game action in week 15 against Indianapolis, it’s understandable that he wasn’t yet quite up to game speed.

Make no mistake about it though, the defensive line suffered in his absence. It went from being a fairly formidable group in 2015 with him, to a porous unit that got pushed around regularly in 2016 without him.

Because of Edwards’ size, speed, and athleticism, he can draw the attention of multiple blockers, which will help free up others to make plays on the ball. And in one-on-one situations, Edwards has proven adept at shedding the block, bringing down the ballcarrier, and putting pressure on the quarterback.

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Mario Jr. Edwards (97) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Having jettisoned Dan Williams and letting Stacy McGee walk away as a free agent has left the Raiders with an influx of young talent in third round pick Eddie Vanderdoes, seventh round pick Treyvon Hester, and UDFA Paul Boyette. All three have shown some flashes that could translate to big things at the next level.

But they’re going to need a healthy Edwards to help them adjust to the pro game and occupy some blockers to help them get a strong push up the middle.

Heading into year three of his rookie deal, Edwards has shown that he has tremendous ability. Has proven his doubters and critics wrong. And he’s shown that he has the explosiveness and ability to be a dominant force on the defensive line.

He just needs to stay healthy for a season to really underscore those points.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News