Oakland Raiders: Assessing Bruce Irvin’s Potential Role

The Oakland Raiders continued to make good use of their cash and negotiating ploys, agreeing in principle with linebacker Bruce Irvin, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Oakland Raiders made late-day headlines on the final day of the previous NFL calendar year, essentially taking linebacker Bruce Irvin off the market, per Ian Rapoport:

The impending acquisition adds toughness to the Raiders’ linebacker corps and reunites Irvin with his former linebacker coach Ken Norton Jr. The two worked together with the Seattle Seahawks and won Super Bowl XLVIII.

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Irvin will likely start at outside linebacker alongside his former and now current teammate Malcolm Smith who served as a reserve linebacker for the Seahawks.

In a 4-3 setup or variation, Irvin becomes as a strong-side linebacker who excels against the ground attack as a major upgrade over defensive lineman Benson Mayowa. He ranked No. 15 against the run in the previous season, per Pro Football Focus. It’s also important to note, Norton utilized Irvin as a defensive end in his rookie year; he logged eight sacks in a single season playing closer to the line of scrimmage.

Defensive lineman Aldon Smith must await reinstatement in November, and defensive end Mario Edwards Jr.’s future remains unclear. It shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Irvin lineup as a defensive end in certain packages until either Edwards or Smith take the field at full strength.

Irvin lists as 6’3”, 260 pounds with enough functional strength to shift between defensive end and strong-side linebacker if necessary.

What about Smith’s long-term outlook? Does Irvin’s presence signal the end for the suspended defensive lineman? Not so.

During the previous season, general manager Reggie McKenzie vouched for Smith’s long-term stay in Oakland with knowledge of a possible suspension from the league, per the team’s official website.

Smith will likely sign a short-term deal with the team after reinstatement and play in specific packages to shake off the rust due to an extended absence. He won’t return as the sack monster we’ve seen in his years with the San Francisco 49ers. It’s important for the coaching staff to reintroduce him to the defensive scheme similar to the first half of the 2015 season.

Smith’s gradual progression allows Irvin to shift across the front seven depending on the package. Norton will find use for both players, which creates opportunities for exotic formations, forcing teams to adjust to their game plan week to week.

Irvin brings an above-average ability to stop the run and decent pass-rushing skills to play opposite defensive lineman Khalil Mack in a 3-4 alignment. If Edwards fares well during the offseason, the Raiders front seven becomes a huge problem for poor pass-blocking offensive lines and non-athletic pocket passers.

McKenzie decided to pass on interior defensive lineman Malik Jackson, who will sign a six-year, $90 million deal, per Ian Rapoport:

Instead, the front office pursued Irvin, who will likely sign for less than $10 million per year. Oakland saved cap space, added another pass-rusher and fulfilled a need at linebacker in acquiring Irvin over Jackson.

If the front office feels shaky about Edwards’ health, they’ll probably address the need with an early draft pick. Nonetheless, signing Irvin translates into a smart and strategic transaction.

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