Oakland Raiders Camp Battles: Defensive linemen

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Defensive lineman Denico Autry #96 of the Oakland Raiders leaves the field after scoring a safety in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum on December 24, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The Old/Older

Using the term old/older is relative in this particular instance. None of these men are old. In fact, only Ellis and Autry have more than two years of service on the roster. Of the elders, Edwards Jr. is the best lineman, while Autry is a great rotational piece in the pass rush dynamic. Ellis needs to have a great season as he hasn’t shown much, and Jackson has to earn a spot on the 53-man roster before we can properly evaluate him.

Mario Edwards Jr.

Edwards is the most established lineman on this team. Unfortunately, injuries have continued to compromise his ability to consistently contribute on the field. His talent is unquestioned. After a strong rookie showing, it was widely accepted that he was a piece to which the defense could build around. However, a hip injury in the preseason derailed nearly all of his 2016 season, minus the last two games. Even so, it was clear that, while he made an impact, he wasn’t himself.

After devoting himself to getting his body right for the start of the season, Edwards looks phenomenal. A chiseled 280 pounds, he looks incredibly fit, nimble and agile while remaining immensely explosive and powerful. Should 2017 be the year Edwards can free himself of injury concerns and focus on playing, he would undoubtedly start and be a disrupting force on the line of scrimmage.

In camp, what Edwards needs to prove most is his durability. He has to address his availability, because it has been his worst ability. Cliches are only cliches because they are true. With him, the Raiders defensive line becomes that much more formidable.

Denico Autry

If someone had told you that Autry would be the most productive defender up front not named Mack or Irvin, you would be amazed. Not because he isn’t talented, but because he played in 16 games and only started seven of them.

Autry was a rock solid rotational defensive end last season, capable of putting heat on the opposing team. At 6-5 and 273 pounds, some would argue he was a slightly undersized defensive tackle for two-gap responsibilities. Nevertheless, Autry would perform and do his best, finishing the 2016 campaign with 22 tackles, seven assisted tackles and three sacks. This coaching staff is in need of pass rushers and a move back to his natural position will be best for everyone. Autry is a safe bet to make the 53-man roster and continue to be a key piece to this defense.

Darius Latham

Latham is a 6-5, 305-pound young, space-eating nose tackle whose contributions rarely show up on the stat sheet. Seeing action in 14 games and starting two of them, he posted eight solo tackles and seven assisted. Latham can be a good player, but he is on the hot seat. Best in the run game and often stymying double teams from the snap of the ball, Latham needs to work on collapsing the pocket and rushing the passer.

Solid as he may have been, the Raiders have brought in some — in his case — “older”, fresher talent to see if he can win the competition for a roster spot. One of the primary participants in the camp battle, Latham must hold off Vanderdoes, Hester and Boyette if he wishes to stay off of the bench.

Jihad Ward

Ward flashed about as brilliantly as street legal fireworks in 2016. That’s not to say he didn’t have moments where he shined, but he had a few more where he didn’t. Needing foot surgery this close to training camp was not the proper way to turn heads and influence people. But Ward is in good spirits and expected to be back anytime in August.

Ward has a special short area burst, which comes from a background of playing as a safety. Armed with great size and strength, Ward has the tools to work with, but he needs more time to develop. He has the versatility to play all over the defensive front, but has only played the position for two years. Ward is being pushed by the rookies and all those who are able to participate in the opening of camp.

Justin Ellis

Ellis was a rotational run-stopper last season. Which is a nice way to say he was out there to eat up double teams and stuff gaps. He played all 16 games and started four, notching 15 solo and six assisted tackles. Ellis could stand to shed some weight, as it may help him get out of his stance quick enough to beat the offensive lineman off the ball. He’s also entering a contract year and, by all accounts, is on the roster bubble and could find himself the odd man out without a quality camp and preseason.

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