Mario Edwards Jr. Brings Versaliltiy to Oakland Raiders D

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) is defended by Buffalo Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn (77) at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Khalil Mack

The Raiders were tied for second-t0-last in sacks in 2014 and are looking for more this coming year. And part of that plan is to give their best edge-rusher, Khalil Mack, more opportunities to rush. He had only four sacks last year without a lot of opportunities because he was a 4-3 outside linebacker that almost never blitzed.

He did, however, get some opportunities as a nickel-rusher and was among the league’s leader in pressures. Head coach Jack Del Rio has spoken of Mack getting more opportunities, so we’ll see him more of that Leo spot in their new elephant scheme. So when Mack is there, Edwards kicks inside to the 3-technique, where he will be formidable.

The best I’ve seen Edwards rush the passer at Florida state is a few opportunities he got at the 3-technique. Then, when the Raiders want to put Mack at his strong-side OLB position, Edwards is athletic enough to handle some coverage in spots when they want to bring Mack from the strong-side. He can also power-rush from the blind-side to give opposing tackles a different look.

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