Silver Minings: Darius Stills named Raiders’ best undrafted free agent

Every year, hundreds of players sign with teams as undrafted free agents. Most of them never really make it in the NFL, but each season there are a few exceptions. Hopefully the Raiders were able to get a couple of decent ones who can have themselves NFL careers.

Bleacher Report listed the best UDFA from every team, saying the Raiders’ best was defensive tackle, Darius Stills.

The Raiders have worked relentlessly to improve their pass-rush this offseason, splurging on free agent Yannick Ngakoue and drafting Malcolm Koonce in the third round to add a developmental prospect to the rotation.

With the edge shored up, Las Vegas can look to address its pressure rate via the interior. Darius Stills jumps out as an undrafted rookie who could not only make the roster but also contribute early.

The West Virginia product put up impressive numbers in Morgantown, accumulating 9.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. More impressively, that production primarily came from the nose tackle position.

While Stills almost certainly didn’t get drafted because of his build (6’0”, 278 lbs), he has proved he can hang in the trenches and has the athleticism to make up for the lack of heft. He should dominate against the run and can get into the backfield to disrupt against bigger offensive lineman.

Like I mentioned, the odds of an UDFA making an impact are slim. With that being said, is there one that has stood out from who the Raiders picked, or one you really are looking forward to seeing?

Let us know in the comments!

In other Raiders’ links:

• Roster evaluation: Maxx Crosby.
• What can we expect from Henry Ruggs in year two?
• If Vegas were to get an MLB team, what could that be like?
• The latest on Julio Jones and where he may end up.