Lions should have interest DT Maurice Hurst after his release by the Raiders
In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders released former starting defensive tackle Maurice Hurst this week. Hurst’s unexpected availability should definitely be something the Detroit Lions are interested in, too.
Hurst was the Raiders’ fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He was widely considered a top-50 prospect but fell due to concerns over a heart condition. And since joining the Raiders, Hurst played like a top-50 prospect from that draft.
He led all Raiders defensive players in PFF grading in 2020, earning a 77.9 overall score in 11 games. Hurst was also their top-graded defender in 2019 amongst those with at least 100 snaps.
Take it from someone who covers Hurst and the Raiders on a daily basis, Raiders Wire editor Marcus Mosher,
I think I would take Maurice Hurst in 2021 over any defensive tackle in this draft.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 15, 2021
Hurst is just 25 and could step right into the Lions defensive line as a prominent part of the interior rotation. He has some pass-rush ability (eight career sacks in 40 games) and is a reliable, positionally responsible run defender who doesn’t miss tackles.
The Raiders also released 2018 third-round pick Arden Key. Detroit should probably not have much interest in a stiff, undersized pass-rushing specialist who managed just three sacks in 37 career games
