Why the Oakland Raiders Can’t Wait on Aldon Smith in 2017
In the NFL, can’t have too many pass rushers. You better believe that mantra is echoing in Oakland Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie’s head. Especially with one of his edge rushers in limbo. That, of course, is OLB/DE Aldon Smith. It’s imperative McKenzie and his scouts identify and select young pass rushers to not only add more teeth to the defense, but to also to replace Smith.
Classified as a “Stage Three” offender Smith’s NFL future is in the hands of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Smith earned the classification after missing five games in rehab back in 2013 and then getting shelved for nine games in 2014.
Like Smith’s track record in regards to misdeeds, Goodell’s history of league decisions proves he is a paragon of ineptitude. And for that reason alone, McKenzie shouldn’t count on having Smith on the roster. Fortunately for the Raiders GM, his base monetary commitment to Smith is quite minimal — $1.25 million.
The visions of Smith rushing opposite of Bruce Irvin, Smith and Khalil make fans salivate. But Smith’s off-field nightmare blows that daydream up in smoke (pun intended).
AROUND COVER32
Five Questions: Are the Raiders really leaving for Vegas?
Allegiances:: When is it okay to cheer for a division rival?
Recap:: What happened to the Packers?
While creating a consistent interior pass rush is critical to the defense, having more than two legitimate options as edge rushers is equally as crucial. Several edge rushers are going to be ripe for the picking. Prospects Myles Garrett (Texas A&M) and Derek Barnett (Tennessee) headline the crop while Tim Williams (Alabama), Takkarist McKinley (UCLA), Taco Charlton (Michigan) jump off the page. Additionally, countless others show first- to second-round talent. But it doesn’t stop there; the prospects go deep in the third round and beyond. For instance, McKinley’s tape stands out:
Let’s say Smith is reinstated. He isn’t a spring chicken at age 28. And he hasn’t been a legit pass-rushing threat since the 2013 season when he had 8.5 sacks in his third year (San Francisco) in the league. Depth, with or without Smith, isn’t a luxury for the Raiders. It’s a necessity.
The post Why the Oakland Raiders Can’t Wait on Aldon Smith in 2017 appeared first on Cover32.
