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Oakland Raiders: 6 Critical training camp battles to watch

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 01: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 01: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

Eddie Vanderdoes vs. Mario Edwards Jr. vs. P.J. Hall vs. Maurice Hurst

As a rookie, defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes started 13 games then suffered a torn ACL in the season-finale against the Chargers. Jeremy Newberry, his agent, expects him to participate in training camp.

Nonetheless, the Raiders will likely pivot from a gap-stuffer to a gap-shooter in fifth-rounder Maurice Hurst. With the Cincinnati Bengals, Guenther worked with defensive tackle Geno Atkins who wreaked havoc on the interior to spread the pocket pressure across the defensive front.

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It’s not a coincidence Oakland drafted two defensive tackles with pass-rushing ability, something that’s not Vanderdoes’ strong suit. The 2017 third-rounder will likely move into a backup role for the upcoming season.

According to NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Scott Bair, Guenther noted Hurst is already a step ahead of second-rounder P.J. Hall due to his experience at a bigger collegiate institution.

Mario Edwards Jr. looks like the odd man out, but his injury history suggests he’s probably better off with a lighter workload. The 24-year-old could still provide a push inside against the run or pressure the pocket on passing downs.

As far as snap count, Hurst won’t come off the field as much as the others listed in this battle. He can also penetrate into the backfield against the run. The former Wolverine logged 24.5 tackles for a loss over his past two collegiate seasons.

Projected Winner: Maurice Hurst

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