Oakland Raiders: One EDGE target in every round of the 2019 NFL Draft
By Justin Fried
Even if the Raiders opt to go edge rusher in the first round, a move many expect them to make, don’t be surprised if they decide to double-up and address the position in back-to-back rounds.
If they do, Michigan’s Chase Winovich could be an intriguing option.
Unlike Allen, Winovich doesn’t have the athleticism and bend ability to be an annual double-digit sack producer at the next level. He isn’t a player who is going to bend his way around the edge and beat you with his quickness and lateral mobility.
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Instead, Winovich is all about technique and refinement. The Michigan product shows great hand usage and has a varied array of pass rush moves that include counters, punches, and bull rushes. His technical game is particularly strong as he meticulously breaks down his opponents rather than bursting past them with speed and athleticism.
Winovich is the classic “try-hard” player who plays with a high motor and is relentless from snap to whistle. His combination of technique and motor should make him an early-impact player in the NFL, even if he doesn’t have a sky-high ceiling.
Still, there’s no reason why Winovich can’t step in and immediately be a Week 1 starter or at the very least produce in a rotational role. With the Raiders, it’s likely he would be a starter from the get-go.