I broke down the Las Vegas Raiders early round EDGE rusher options earlier on in my draft scouting process. The Raiders haven’t drafted a true EDGE rusher since Tyree Wilson, and despite adding Kwity Paye a late round target to add depth is a very likely, and smart, idea to help build out the room. Malcolm Koonce is coming off a decent 2025 season, and two years removed from an ACL tear in 2026 should allow him to bounce back to his 2023 form.

Additionally, the Raiders added Kwity Paye who will help take pressure off Maxx Crosby as a run defender, but Crosby remains the marquee aspect of the Las Vegas pass rush. Las Vegas also has core depth pieces of Charles Snowden, and Brennan Jackson but you aren’t able to have enough true pass rushers, and for a team in the modern NFL to not select a pass rusher for four years is almost unheard of.

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NFL Techniques, Defensive Line:

Below is a graphic outlining NFL techniques, a key distinction for defensive lineman as a 5 tech and 1 tech may both be labeled as interior lineman, but are completely different players. A quick breakdown of each is below as well:

A Gap: Area between center and guard

B Gap: Area between guard and tackle

C Gap: Area between tackle and Tight End

D Gap: Area outside the TE inline

Man Control: Two Gapping lineman, play through certain offensive lineman. Usually utilized in a 3-4 front or 4-3 even, which the Raiders will be running a majority in 2026 and forward under Rob Leonard. This front usually contains a 0, 2, 4, 6, and depending on personnel a 7/9 technique in diverse packages. The package is traditionally used to be a run first approach, and often is paired with an attack front ideology.

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Gap Control: Lineman responsible for stopping and holding a gap specific per play. Very common in 4 lineman fronts with spread lineman, and 5 down lineman as well. Often contains a 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 9 technique designated to specific strengths. More commonly found in the NFL currently with teams playing an RPO approach at times, requiring lineman to work better in space.

0 Tech: Head up on the Center (Vita Vea)

1 Tech: Outside Shoulder of the Center, to either side (DJ Reader)

2 Tech: Head Up on the Guard (Aaron Donald)

2i Tech: Inside Shoulder of the Guard, 2-Tech inside, responsible for A Gap (Aaron Donald)

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3 Tech: Outside Shoulder of the Guard, to either side (Grady Jarrett)

4 Tech: Head Up on Offensive Tackle (DeForest Buckner)

4i Tech: Inside Shoulder of the Tackle. 4-Tech inside, responsible for B Gap must be able to work outside (DeForest Buckner)

5 Tech: Outside Shoulder of the Tackle, still within sub 1 yard of tackle (Myles Garrett)

6 Tech: Head Up on the TE (Myles Garrett)

7 Tech: Inside Shoulder of the TE (Maxx Crosby)

9 Tech: Outside Shoulder of the TE (Von Miller)

5/7 Tech (4-3 End):

Early Round Targets & Already Touched On:

Caden Curry, Ohio State (Consensus: Mid 6th)
HT: 6’2 | WT: 257 | Games: 54
Career: 111 tackles, 25 TFL, 15.5 sacks, 3 FF, 74 pressures, 21 hits, 11.8% pass rush win rate, 37 run stops
Testing: 26 reps

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  • 0-Tech: 53 snaps | 2/3-Tech: 81 snaps

  • 7-Tech: 336 snaps | 9-Tech: 102 snaps

  • Curry lacks size, and he lacks length as well with a 30 1/8” arm length, which is going to impact him at the NFL level, and it has in college as well. He plays quick, and he plays fast throughout the rep, Curry gets off the line of scrimmage quickly, he’ll engage the tackle before they can engage him, and it helps to eliminate the poor arm length. He shows great lateral movement, good hand combat skills, and an ability to dip and bend the edge. He has a nonstop motor, which he pairs with his athleticism, and above average strength. Curry doesn’t stop, and despite the clear length concerns, he’s able to play through the rep and doesn’t let it limit him fully. Curry struggles to anchor vs the run, where he can’t engage the offensive tackle or tight end. Additionally, Curry should be able to bend the corner better, and he can get stiff before being boxed out. He’s an average EDGE prospect, who does pair a non stop motor with good athleticism, but there’s clear limitations and a limited ceiling as well.

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