What condition the Raiders position is in pre-draft: Defensive end

Starters: Mario Edwards Jr, Denico Autry
Depth: Shelby Harris

Edwards was selected in the second round last year and replaced Justin Tuck in the starting lineup at midseason before being lost to a neck injury for the final three games of the season. Autry was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad and saw his playing time go up significantly in the latter half of last season. Harris was a round seven pick in 2014 and has bounced back and forth from the active roster and the practice squad.

Condition: Touch and go

They say you can't have enough pass rushers. The Raiders best pass rusher is Khalil Mack who splits time between defensive end and linebacker which would explain why there are only three defensive ends listed above.

The big question that has lingered with regard to the defensive end position for the Raiders is the health of Mario Edwards. Signs have pointed to him recovering well and being ready to go this season, but it is still uncertain if that will be the case. He will be receiving a medical examination in the coming weeks, just prior to the Raiders taking the field for their first offseason workouts on April 18.

With all the talk is about Edwards, one would think the Raiders had no one else. But they do have Denico Autry and his presence shouldn't be so overlooked. He stepped up big time late last season and could play an integral role for this team next season.

Shelby Harris doesn't offer much as a backup.

On one hand, there are options at defensive end with Edwards, Mack, and Autry. On the other hand, think what they could do by adding another defensive end in the top two rounds of this deep defensive line class. If Edwards isn't healthy, a new defensive end prospect would be crucial. Even if Edwards is healthy, the new addition could line up opposite him and allow Autry to rotate in and out to keep everyone fresh. All the while Mack and Bruce Irvin (and Aldon Smith once he returns in November) would be freed up to wreak havoc on the outside.

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