With The First Pick
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Oakland Raiders Should Move Bruce Irvin Inside

By Carl Cockerham

Nov 2, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) dances after making a defensive stop during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Oakland 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) dances after making a defensive stop during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Oakland 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) is sacked by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Joel Heath (92) and defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) during the second half in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) is sacked by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Joel Heath (92) and defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) during the second half in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie can Bridge the Gap

Before the draft, the thought was that Irvin can hold down the fort at LEO until Smith got back. But since LEO already didn’t work out for him, it’s probably not a good idea to try him there again. However, in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Raiders got a steal in defensive end Shilique Calhoun.

ProFootball Focus has him as the No. 1-ranked edge-rusher with 78 total pressures (11 sacks, 17 hits, 50 hurries). Calhoun isn’t a 1-year wonder either, he was strong in that department in 2014 as well. His 144 total pressures over the last two seasons were second only to No. 3 overall Joey Bosa (145).

He’s not great in the run game because he’s always thinking pass-rush, getting caught too far upfield. But with the right coaching, and he’ll get that from d-line coach Jethrow Franklin, it’s easy to correct that. Calhoun was a 4-3 end at Michigan State but is athletic enough to drop in coverage when needed.

He can rush from both sides and his length comes in handy as he uses his hands very well. And while he doesn’t have great long speed, he has a quick first step and the ability to bend around the edge. He’s actually good enough to be a starter and should have gone in the first round but Smith will take his spot back when his suspension ends.

Next: No Need at SAM

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