Oakland Raiders: Shilique Calhoun Primed for Big Year
Is it realistic to believe that Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun finishes within the top two on the team in sacks?
The Oakland Raiders coaching staff felt comfortable with throwing multiple concepts and schemes at defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun. In essence, it’s a sign of trust in a rookie, which third-round picks rarely earn during their first offseasons.
Nonetheless, Calhoun isn’t an average mid-round selection with a ton of potential and less production. In four collegiate seasons, the Michigan State product recorded 1.5 fewer sacks than Khalil Mack coming out of Buffalo.
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With all Calhoun’s sacks and ample talent, he’s not Mack. However, he’ll probably finish his rookie season with more sacks in his rookie campaign compared to the Buffalo standout in his first year.
On SiriusXM NFL Radio with Howard Balzer and Gil Brandt, via the team’s official website, Calhoun revealed his scheme duties:
"I’ve been playing a little bit of everything. I’ve been moving around, but I’m mainly at (strong-side linebacker) and the LEO. I’m trying to learn those two positions and master them behind two great players in Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin."
Similar to Mack, Calhoun will play strong-side linebacker, but he’ll likely rush the quarterback on most downs, drop into coverage on a few snaps and track ball-carriers.
Unlike Mack, Calhoun struggles against the run, but he’s a polished pass-rusher who will earn snaps in a rotation, which means fresh legs throughout the game.
The 24-year-old hybrid defender will have an opportunity to take advantage of the coverage on Mack when sharing the field.
The Raiders’ 2014 first-round pick didn’t have the same luxury of playing behind a Pro Bowler still rising to his peak. He had to create his own lane, and it finally clicked for him in the final four games of his rookie year.
Calhoun doesn’t have it easy by any means, but he’s not going to be the focus for opposing offensive linemen. With Mack and Irvin attempting to tear through the pass protection, Calhoun may rush untouched with free shots at the quarterback on occasion.
He joins the Silver and Black at the right time to break out as a pure pass-rusher. Besides Mack and Irvin drawing most of the protection coverage, defensive end Mario Edwards returned to practice without restrictions. His presence on the interior, gobbling up space and taking on double teams creates potential one-on-one opportunities for edge-rushers.
As the season progresses, the team also expects Aldon Smith to apply for reinstatement after a yearlong suspension. His role will mirror the previous year. With so much time between active snaps, Smith will rotate in on passing downs to add pocket pressure. It’s a niche that he’s equipped to fulfill after a few games.
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The coaching staff will work with Calhoun’s strength to enable his ability to shed blocks in run situations. Expect an improvement in that area over the next two months.
As a rookie, he’s not going to set a hard edge, but he’ll find a way to drop running backs once they reach the second level of the defense, if they manage to find their way through Edwards and Mack at the line of scrimmage.
Pencil Calhoun in for six to seven sacks and double-digit quarterback hurries in 2016.
For a third-round pick, who’s not starting and playing behind Mack, it’s a huge number. Don’t be surprised if he’s competitive with Irvin for the second-most sacks on the roster.