Oakland Raiders: Realistic options at No. 24 during the 2019 NFL Draft

Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion

Now let’s imagine the Raiders went away from defensive end at No. 4. For argument’s sake, let’s work under the assumption they selected Greedy Williams to give them a legitimate complement to Gareon Conley as the other starting cornerback. Great, but what about the pass rush?

Well, as it turns out, there are plenty of quality edge rushers to be had during the 2019 NFL Draft. It doesn’t take landing someone like Nick Bosa or Quinnen Williams at the top of the first round to up the Raiders’ sack total in 2019. Then again, after notching only 13 quarterback takedowns this past season, just about anything would help them accomplish that.

One guy who could be available at No. 24 is Oshane Ximines. There’s a decent chance you haven’t heard of him if you’re not a draft junkie, and that’s perfectly acceptable. However, before the 2019 NFL Draft officially gets under way, you will know who this guy is.

Yes, he’s from a school that doesn’t necessarily produce a ton of NFL talent. Yes, he’s got a strange name that’s hard to pronounce or even spell without looking it up. In the end, though, all that matters it that he can get after the quarterback with the best of them.

Ximines has the size to serve as either a defensive end or outside linebacker. His burst off the snap is unreal, dominating at the point of attack with his ability to convert speed into power. He also possesses terrific bend around the edge, and just has a knack for hunting quarterbacks.

Passing on a edge defender at No. 4 may seem like a poor decision. And yet, if the consolation prize at No. 24 is Ximines, the Raiders will be thanking their lucky stars.