Oakland Raiders Camp Battles: Defensive linemen
The Young and Beastly
General manager Reggie McKenzie and head coach Jack Del Rio saw a lack of production from the players they had last year. Players identified that part of the team as grossly underwhelming. This calls for changes and that usually means fresh meat is coming in. And, boy, do they have some young studs coming in attempting to make a name for themselves and live out their dreams
Drafted
Third-round pick Eddie Vanderdoes was not able to participate in the offseason activities due to UCLA’s quarter system and an NFL restriction against players being allowed to participate while class is in session. Not being able take the field and get that practical application of the playbook while having the freedom to ask questions before the bullets start actually flying is a handicap.
I first got hip to Vanderdoes watching the Senior Bowl practices. What I saw was a super explosive dlineman flying off the ball. Something the defense has been lacking in the middle. The downside to having massive men on the line of scrimmage is that some of them don’t rely on quickness.
The issue with Vanderdoes was injury related and having a subpar season in his return. Vanderdoes has lost over 30 pounds and at last mention was south of 300 pounds. If strength, conditioning and weight were the only thing hampering his production like he claims it is, then the Raiders got one heck of a value in the third round.
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Vanderdoes still has to go out and show it, but many feel as though, when the pads come on. he can be instantly the best interior defender on the roster.
A seventh-round draft pick, Treyvon Hester got dealt pocket aces when Vanderdoes was unable to participate in rookie minicamp and OTAs. Making the best of his opportunity Hester made a name for himself in Vanderdoes’ absence. Representing the MAC, Hester possesses the prettiest collegiate resume of the bunch. Participating in 45 games, he amassed 77 solo and 84 assisted tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
That right there is the kind of production the Raiders haven’t seen since the days of the late Darell Russell and Chester McGlockton. With a secondary which is finally capable of matching up with all the types of wide receivers teams can throw at them, a rowdy man capable of wreaking havoc at the point of attack is exactly what will help this defense rebound and shut teams down in 2017.
With nothing but positive feedback coming by way of Hester, he could be a counterpart for Vanderdoes and the Raiders could start two rookies in the middle of everything.
The Undrafted
This is where McKenzie has really made his hay and separated himself as a general manager, talent scout and evaluator. The Raiders have turned this franchise around with competition and the undrafted free agents come into the picture on equal footing and stand every bit as good a chance as starting and making this team as the veterans.
Paul “The General” Boyette Jr., standing at 6-1, 310 pounds, posted impressive stats while down in Austin playing for the University of Texas. In 35 games, Boyette recorded 61 solo and 41 assisted tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Fadol Brown is another of the undrafted rookies looking to make a name for himself once the pads come on. Hailing from the Ole Miss, Brown posted fairly productive numbers in the SEC. Playing in 30 games, he compiled 43 solo and 66 assisted tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Jimmy Bean is also throwing his hat in the ring for a shot at NFL glory. Bean was a former Oklahoma State Cowboy from 2011-15 and, in 34 games, posted 72 solo tackles 32 assisted tackles 27.0 tackles for loss 12.5 sacks one pass deflection and three forced fumbles. These are some fairly solid stats for a Big 12 defensive end.
Next: NFL 2017: Each team's biggest question before training camp
These are the men that will be battling in training camp for a spot on the defensive line rotation with the Raiders. Given the poor performance in that area last season, this battle could be anyone’s to win.