Oakland Raiders: Bruce Irvin’s position could help Shilique Calhoun

The Oakland Raiders may consider moving Bruce Irvin to defensive end, how does this help 2016 third-rounder Shilique Calhoun?

Throughout former head coach Jack Del Rio’s tenure, the Oakland Raiders defense didn’t show much resistance, ranking 22nd, 20th and 20th over the past three seasons in points allowed.

The unit saw a bright spot with 30 takeaways during the 2016 campaign, but a disappointing big picture eventually led to Ken Norton Jr.’s dismissal last year.

Now, head coach Jon Gruden’s staff wants to rearrange the personnel for optimal results. League insider Adam Caplan shared a potential lineup change involving Bruce Irvin on Sirius XM NFL Radio:

Irvin lined up as a defensive end through his rookie year before switching to strong-side linebacker with the Seattle Seahawks. Nonetheless, he’s typically been a consistent pass-rusher.

Why the Move Makes Sense

In 2017, Irvin matched his season high in sacks (eight) with a strong finish under John Pagano, who took over in Week 12 as the defensive play-caller. In Pagano’s first three games in place of Norton, the 30-year-old pass-rusher racked up five sacks.

During the previous season, between Weeks 1-11, Irvin rushed the passer on 68.9 percent of his snaps and 88.4 percent of snaps between Weeks 12-17 per Pro Football Focus.

The seventh-year defender can redirect tight ends on routes and stop the run, but Pagano allowed the Raiders’ secondary pass-rusher to do what he does best, get after the quarterback.

Furthermore, it’s an asset the defense needed with very little pressure threatening opposing signal-callers in the pocket.

Last, Irvin’s tweet shows he didn’t enjoy dropping into coverage often:

The Effect on Shilique Calhoun

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Based on Caplan’s insight, it makes sense to turn a productive pass-rusher into a full-time defensive end opposite Khalil Mack. The move also creates an opportunity for third-year hybrid defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun.

Calhoun hasn’t shown much in two years. He’s played 272 total defensive snaps and spent some time on the practice squad after the team waived him before the 2017 campaign. It’s not what you’d expect from a third-rounder, who logged 44 tackles for a loss and 27 sacks through four seasons at Michigan State. However, there’s still hope for him on new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s watch.

The Raiders tendered Calhoun as an exclusive-rights free agent, and he’ll return to the team on a one-year deal. The move doesn’t guarantee a significant role. However, the new regime may find some success unlocking talent the previous staff couldn’t in two seasons. At the very least, he has an opportunity to change his outlook with the team.

As outlined with Irvin, it’s fair to point out Del Rio’s staff didn’t put certain players in the best positions to succeed—this may apply to Calhoun.

Next: Oakland Raiders: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in mid-March

As a rookie, he had to switch from defensive end to rush linebacker. Practices over two years may help him make waves in his third term. Irvin’s projected move opens more reps at the position during the offseason.

Calhoun would battle James Cowser, who’s also a hybrid defensive lineman, and possibly a draft pick for the strong-side linebacker spot during the offseason.