A potent pass-rush has eluded the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders so far, which is why the team’s front office must consider defensive lineman Rashad Weaver in next year’s draft.
The Raiders defense has a grand total of 12 sacks as a unit, there are individual NFL players near that number this season. Of those sacks, defensive end Maxx Crosby owns six of them. Carl Nassib, a prized free-agent addition, has been a non-factor and has recorded a paltry 1.5 sacks. Arden Key, who famously said the Raiders didn’t need more pass rushers, has been nonexistent and has zero sacks. After Crosby and Nassib, four players have one sack apiece: Nicholas Morrow, Chris Smith, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Nevin Lawson.Â
Basically, the Raiders need more pass rushers, and Weaver from Pittsburgh could be of some use. Clelin Ferrell has improved in 2020 and was severely missed versus the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday. Nevertheless, something’s missing and Weaver could help fill this black hole that plagues the Silver and Black’s defense.
Related: Film Shows True Progression For Raiders DE Clelin Ferrell
The Raiders Could Plug Weaver Right Away
A senior at Pitt, Weaver has been unblockable in his career and will be a menacing force on the edge which is something the Raiders lack. The 6’5″ 270-pound pass rusher has had 15 sacks in his collegiate career and 32 tackles for a loss. If those numbers aren’t impressive enough, Weaver has four forced fumbles and nine passes defensed at Pitt.
My top SENIOR defensive linemen to watch this season:
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) May 7, 2020
Mustafa Johnson, Colorado
Naquan Jones, Michigan State
Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
Brandon Pili, USC
Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Former NFL Executive Gil Brandt is also high on Weaver, he cited him as one of the top defensive linemen to keep an eye on back in May. Weaver hasn’t disappointed judging from his numbers. The Raiders need help coming off the edges and this problem won’t be solved with a patch-up job. A lot can happen between now and April but Weaver could certainly help that defensive line devoid of sacks.
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*Top Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
