Mario Edwards Jr. Brings Versaliltiy to Oakland Raiders D

May 8, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After getting quarterback Derek Carr a reliable weapon in the first round, the Oakland Raiders addressed their defense in the second. Many expected the Raiders to draft a classic edge-rusher after tying for second-to-last in the NFL in the sacks in 2014. But instead, they picked Mario Edwards Jr., who was a 3-4 end in college, but a steal for the Raiders.

Leading up to the draft, a talent evaluator told CBS Sports Jason LaCanfora, “Why aren’t any of you guys writing about Mario Edwards? I look around the Internet at these mock drafts and I don’t think I’ve seen him in the first round in one of them. He’s not showing up in any of them. I think you’re missing on him. He’s going to surprise some people. I think he goes in the first round. In this [not overly talented] draft, he’s definitely a first-rounder for me.”

At 6’3″, 280 pounds, he doesn’t have the burst of not a classical edge-rusher but will help the Raiders’ pass-rush in 2015. One of the ways he’ll help the pass-rushers is the versatility he’s brining to the Raiders’ front-seven. There are already a few versatile players along the Raiders front-seven so adding Edwards will enhance that.

Turn the page to see how.

Next: Khalil Mack