Oakland Raiders: 5 Sleeper first-round targets in 2018 NFL Draft

Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

As I mentioned with Payne, the Raiders have a worrisome gap along the defensive line. While the Alabama product isn’t necessarily what the doctor ordered, I can say with absolute certainty that Michigan’s Maurice Hurst would be.

Easily the best three-technique prospect of the 2018 draft class, Hurst seems like a perfect match for the Raiders’ needs. He’s a big, powerful defensive tackle who also happens to thrive on the tears of opposing quarterbacks. His ability to get into the backfield from the interior of the defensive line is uncanny.

His 9.5 sacks over the last two seasons may not seem like much, but Hurst always seems to be playing in the opponent’s backfield. He’s got a lightning quick burst off the snap, allowing him to get blockers on their heels. When he gets back there, he’s athletic and intelligent enough to find the football and get to it in short order.

That’s sounds exactly like what the Raiders are looking for. His presence will take pressure off of Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin to conjure up all of the pocket pressure. It’ll also allow Mario Edwards Jr. to focus on what he’s best at — slowing down the ground game.

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Some teams will be too wary of Hurst’s cleared heart condition to call his name this early. However, as we’ve seen in the past, potential medical issues don’t scare away the Raiders. If it’s convinced his heart isn’t an issue, Oakland should pull the trigger with the former Wolverine.