Oakland Raiders: Six most logical targets with the tenth-overall pick
By Kevin Saito
Arden Key (DE – LSU)
Despite the fact that Gruden is reportedly moving Bruce Irvin to defensive end, the team still needs pass rushers. Aside from Khalil Mack, Oakland doesn’t have a dominant pass rusher. That needs to change if they’re going to get the most out of their defense.
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At six-foot-six, 240 pounds, Key is long-limbed, and very athletic. As a sophomore, he racked up 55 tackles – 12.5 of them for a loss – and 11 sacks. He knows how to get after the quarterback, and when he’s dialed in, he can really wreak havoc in the backfield.
For a time, Key was talked about as possibly being a first overall pick. But, then he had an injury-ravaged, down year as a junior, and that buzz faded, though some still consider him a first round talent.
However – as talented as Key is, he also comes with a lot of baggage and enough red flags that he very well may make teams think twice. He could see his draft stock plummet all the way down to round two – which, if he kept his head on straight and his nose clean, would make him an absolute steal.
Given the troubles this team went through with turmoil in the locker room last year though, it’s possible that they could pass on Key, given his reputation.
But, with the addition of some solid veteran leadership – and the presence of Gruden – they may believe they have a locker room capable of keeping Key on the straight and narrow and could roll the dice, given the desperate need for pass rushing help.
Likelihood: 7/10