Oakland Raiders: Denico Autry should return on a new deal
The Oakland Raiders shouldn’t hesitate to extend defensive lineman Denico Autry, especially with multiple question marks up front.
By now, most football fans have shifted their attention to the incoming rookie class. Out with the old and in with the new. Before taking a look at some potential fits among the 2018 prospects, the Oakland Raiders have in-house assets to evaluate over the next few weeks. Interior defensive lineman Denico Autry should rank high on the priority list.
Over the past several seasons, the Raiders have struggled to generate an interior pass rush. Khalil Mack has wrecked quarterbacks off the edge. In 2016, Bruce Irvin joined the defense as a complementary edge-rusher. However, the unit comes up light in attacking signal-callers up the middle.
After a nondescript rookie year in 2014, Autry established himself as a rotational defensive lineman who can rush the passer but lacked the ability to set the edge as a run defender.
Before John Pagano’s ascension to defensive coordinator in Week 12 of the previous season, Autry showed improvement as a run defender. As a result, his number of assisted tackles rose over the past campaign. It’s inaccurate to consider him a situational pass-rusher after seeing his efforts in 2017.
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Along with the ability to record more stops, he notched a career high in sacks with five during the previous season. In certain situations, the 27-year old took advantage of double-teams on Mack. He didn’t give up on plays until the whistle and won one-on-one assignments.
Most importantly, there’s versatility in his game. New defensive coordinator Paul Guenther can line him up on the edge, inside across a four-man front and keep him on the field in nickel packages.
For the Raiders, it’s counterproductive to allow Autry to walk in free agency and lose the most reliable interior pass-rusher currently on the defense. Mario Edwards Jr. has shown his potential in spurts. However, he’s struggled to stay healthy in all three seasons out of Florida State.
Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes likely faces a lengthy recovery from a torn ACL, the second in his left knee. Justin Ellis doesn’t pressure the pocket enough in the middle as a gap-stuffer. Treyvon Hester flashed during his rookie campaign but needs more seasoning to increase his impact on the front line.
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Typically, draft picks don’t step on the field Week 1 and show greatness. Whether you favor Washington’s Vita Vea, Michigan product Maurice Hurst or any top interior defender among the incoming prospects, there’s a learning curve with uncertainty.
The Raiders could secure a player that’s already shown what he’s capable of on the field. When looking at his recent film, he’s also illustrated room for further development. Unless Autry decides to hit the free-agent market to chase a better deal, Oakland shouldn’t wait any longer to extend his contract.