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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Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Bottom Line

Particularly when Smith gets back, the Raiders have all the pass-rushing they need off the edge. And with Mario Edwards Jr., now cleared to play, they’ll have a good rush up the middle as well. With the selection of Karl Joseph, in the first round of the draft, the Raiders completed their secondary.

Joseph will pair up with Reggie Nelson to make plays as well as bring the hat to receivers over the middle. Corners Sean Smith and Dave Amerson with T.J. Carrie in the slot will be formidable as well, especially with that pass rush. The Raiders defense is an extremely athletic inside linebacker with good size away from an elite unit.

Right now, the Raiders have Malcolm Smith playing the MIKE position but his size fits better at WILL. Smith is also athletic but Irvin’s size and length are much better for covering tight ends. Either way, one of the inside linebackers should have some size because two undersized linebackers are no good for the run game.

Therefore, Irvin should be moved inside.

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