Oakland Raiders: 3 Early breakout candidates for 2019
1. Arden Key, EDGE
After trading away Khalil Mack just prior to the start of the 2018 season, the Raiders were nearly completely devoid of pass-rushers off the edge, almost as if they traded away their best asset in that regard. Thus, there were players who were not wholly ready to be starters in that capacity coming into the fold and being asked to play at a starter’s level. Arden Key was one such player.
Coming out of LSU as a rookie last season (a third-round pick by Oakland in 2018), Key was not ready to be a consistent presence off the edge in terms of his physical profile. Outside of some character concerns and poor workouts, the biggest knock on Key was that he was slight-framed and seemingly not bulky or strong enough to compete consistently in the NFL.
Ultimately, that proved to be the case during his rookie season. Key played in 16 games for the Raiders, starting in 10 of those contests. However, the then-rookie registered just 30 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 11 QB hits and just one sack on the year. He wasn’t abysmal but he was largely ineffective as a primary pass-rusher.
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Having said that, with a year of NFL coaching and experience under his belt, the Raiders seem to be confident in Key. Even better, reports indicate that the edge rusher has put on 15 pounds this offseason, bulking up to 260 pounds. When you have that concern being addressed along with garnering experience and adding a complement opposite him in No. 4 pick Clelin Ferrell, Key could be in a position to truly break out and make a name for himself as a pro.