Oakland Raiders: A Look At A Few Roster Needs And Potential Draft Fits

Edge Rusher

If there’s one thing the Raiders need to be able to do, it’s put more – and more consistent – pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. Ken Norton’s defenses rarely got a quarterback moving or put a lot of pressure on him – and they certainly didn’t produce a lot of sacks as a result.

That changed with the elevation of John Pagano, as the team finished out its last six games with more sacks than Norton’s defense collected in the first ten.

But, it also exposed the desperate need the Raiders have for more pass rushing help. Khalil Mack (10.5) and Bruce Irvin (8) provided most of the team’s sacks on the year (a combined 18.5 of the team’s 31 total sacks). Denico Autry added five more and Mario Edwards Jr. had 3.5.

Suffice it to say, the Raiders need somebody else who can help put some pressure on the quarterback.

One intriguing name is Kansas’ Dorance Armstrong Jr. As a sophomore, Armstrong recorded 56 total tackles – 20 of them for a loss – 10 sacks and a trio of forced fumbles. His stock may be driven down the board though, because the team around him in 2017 was terrible, allowing opposing offenses to really key on stopping him or simply go away from him on the field to exploit what was a horrible Kansas defense.

At six-foot-four, 241 pounds, Armstrong has the size, speed, length, and athleticism to play on the edge in the NFL.

In a defense that features Mack and Irvin as the team’s primary pass rushers, Armstrong could find himself contributing in a big way and helping improve the team’s overall pass rush.

Other Possibilities: Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Harold Landry