The Raiders have done a lot over the past year to upgrade their pass rush. The team drafted Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 last season and found arguably the steal of the draft in Maxx Crosby in the fourth-round. Mike Mayock also brought in proven pass-rusher Carl Nassib in free agency this offseason, and he will likely rotate in as the third defensive end.
However, the Raiders are still missing speed at the defensive end position. And it appears they will be searching for it during the 2020 NFL Draft.
In a recent interview by Justin Melo of the Draft Wire, the Raiders have already met with talented edge rusher Josh Uche from Michigan. While Uche did not run at the NFL Scouting Combine, he was projected to run in the mid 4.6s, according to NFL Draft Scout.
I interviewed @UMichFootball EDGE Josh Uche (@_Uche35) for @TheDraftWire. He's one of my favorite players in this draft. He's met w/ the #Titans, #Chiefs, #Ravens, #Raiders & several others.https://t.co/CEYdOl23w3#NFLDraft | #GoBlue
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 30, 2020
Uche broke out in 2018 and recorded 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons for the Wolverines. While he lacks ideal size to be an every-down defensive end, his ability to bend around the edge making him an intriguing pass-rush specialist.
If Uche is available in the third round, don’t be surprised if the Raiders have an interest, especially considering how much defensive line coach Rod Marinelli values speed at the defensive end position. Uche could be one of the better Day 2 values given his pass-rushing upside.
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