With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders’ rebuild is almost complete

By Carl Cockerham

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with offensive guard Jon Feliciano (68) and guard Gabe Jackson (66) after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers during an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with offensive guard Jon Feliciano (68) and guard Gabe Jackson (66) after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers during an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) get away a pass as he is tackled Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) during a game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) get away a pass as he is tackled Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) during a game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Bruce Irvin

Head coach Jack Del Rio made it known Aldon Smith was in his long-term plans, saying at the press conference when he was suspended, “Aldon has been a positive addition to the Raiders. He remains prominently in our long-term plans and we will continue to support this member of our family as he gets the help that he needs.”

So the Raiders need a player that can fill in for him, coming off the edge to disrupt the quarterback. And at the same time, the Raiders had trouble covering tight ends with linebackers in 2015. They can also use a linebacker that can run to the ball behind the huge defensive linemen they have.

So the Raiders pounced when the Seattle Seahawks declined to pick up the 5-year option on their 2012 1st-round pick Bruce Irvin. The Raiders went in and stole Irvin from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons, getting got him to agree to four years, a maximum of $37 million and $12.5 million guaranteed (all in 2016).

Irvin is better in pass coverage and going side-line-to-sideline against the run but can rush the passer. He’ll fill in well for Smith, an elite pass-rusher, then move back inside to the Mike or Will. The versatility Irvin has to bridge a gap during the season like that makes this a huge signing for the Raiders.

Next: Kelechi Osemele

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