Oakland Raiders: 5 Major storylines following mandatory minicamp
Who Starts Opposite Clelin Ferrell at Defensive End?
The Raiders selected Clelin Ferrell with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft; he’s a virtual lock to start at defensive end, but the coaching staff will likely consider three strong candidates to open the season on the opposite side of the line.
Defensive end Arden Key seems like the clear choice. He’s bulked up to 260 pounds during the offseason, but, in his own words, Guenther called him a situational defender during a media conference. “We drafted Arden to become a third-down rusher,” he said. “You don’t want to be a 260-pound slug out there.”
We should always consider position labels and plans fluid. The Raiders expected Key to fill in the gaps behind Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin last year. That strategy took a left turn after a blockbuster trade sent the former to the Chicago Bears, and the front office released the latter.
Key’s development may force Guenther to reconsider his initial plan again. In a question-and-answer media session, the LSU product talked about his almost-sacks conversation with defensive line coach Brentson Buckner, per Raiders.com:
"That’s all ‘Buck’ has been teaching me as far as my angles. He started off with how I missed the sacks just by my alignment. The ball isn’t snapped yet, I just missed the sack already by (how I lined up). Whether I was too wide, too tight, I didn’t turn my hips enough or I didn’t reach for him, turn my hips and different things like that. Most of it was just alignment and knowing what angles to take. Football is all about angles."
Buckner doesn’t seem concerned about Key’s weight and placed emphasis on the technical aspect of his position, sharping the young pass-rusher’s attack from a tactical standpoint.
Based on experience, Key should have a slight edge over rookie fourth-rounder Maxx Crosby, who comes into the league with athleticism, quickness and productive career at Eastern Michigan. He registered 35.5 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks between his junior and senior terms.
Crosby will need to show off more of his hand technique coupled with fluid movement to win on the pro level. He possesses upside if Buckner can unlock the 6-5, 255-pound defensive end’s potential.
Often overlooked, Benson Mayowa may become the default starter opposite Ferrell. He’s an experienced veteran with six years on his NFL resume — two with the Raiders — coming off a four-sack season in Arizona.
Keep in mind, the designated starter isn’t necessarily the most impactful player at defensive end. Mayowa may open contests with the first unit, but Key and Crosby could inflict most of the pass-rush damage in their roles.