Aaron Lynch (DE)
It should pretty much go without saying at this point, the Raiders desperately need to do something about their pass rush – or rather, their complete lack of a pass rush. Through eight games this year, the Raiders have just seven sacks and a meager 59 quarterback pressures. Given that Detroit has the second fewest – with 109 – it’s more than clear that Oakland needs to do something to upgrade their pass rush.
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Enter Aaron Lynch. At six-foot-five, 270 pounds, the former fifth-round pick has quietly become a pretty decent pass rusher and will no doubt, have plenty of suitors when the free agency window opens.
Gruden and McKenzie would be wise to be there with a checkbook in hand.
With Arden Key and very possibly another end like Nick Bosa (should they be smart and snap him up in the Draft) on board, having a veteran present like Lynch, one who’s been productive over his five seasons in the NFL, would be an invaluable resource for the youngsters.
Lynch is a solid combination of speed, power, and instincts. He’s solid at setting the edge, is good in run support, doesn’t miss a lot of tackles, and can get to the quarterback. The one thing holding Lynch back has been opportunity.
Over his first two seasons in the league, he racked up 12.5 sacks – despite being a little used role player in his first season. Injuries derailed the following two seasons of and the San Francisco 49ers felt comfortable enough to jettison him.
Seattle picked him up on a one-year deal this year, and through eight games – with just three starts – Lynch has 12 tackles (10 solo), seven quarterback hits, three sacks, a pass defensed, and an interception. It’s quality production for limited time on the field.
Lynch is a big, strong, fast guy who would immediately help Oakland’s woeful pass rush.