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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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

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

Rueben Bain (Miami), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), Zion Young (Missouri), R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma), Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), Joshua Josephs (Tennessee), Keyron Crawford (Auburn), Mikail Kamara (Indiana), Max Llewllyn (Iowa)

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

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.

Caden Curry (6’3 255) Ohio State+ Special teams’ standout for years+ Career-high 11 sacks in 2025+ 18.2% win rate on true pass sets + 8.6% stop rate in 2025+ Physical in run support+ Non-stop motor+ Team leader+ Alignment versatile– Lacks ideal size/length (under 31”)… pic.twitter.com/2nFPXxk5Ve

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 25, 2026

Wesley Williams, Duke (Consensus: Late 6th)HT: 6’3 | WT: 260 | Games: 41Career: 131 tackles, 29 TFL, 11 sacks, 2 FF, 115 pressures, 28 hits, 11.4% pass rush win rate, 58 run stopsTesting: 4.89 40 (1.68 10-split), 35.5 Vert, 10’ Broad, 4.47 Shuttle, 7.13 3-Cone, 22 reps | 7.50 RAS

Williams is very intriguing, he has a chance to bulk up and play more of a 4/4i technique, but he wins very frequently when he’s at the 5T. Williams has exceptional lower body power and strength, he anchors well, rushes the passer extremely well, and he also has an elite bull rush. Williams has fluid hips, good knee flexibility, and he has intriguing lower body agility that shows when he dips and bends the edge but he’s limited by average ankle flexibility. Williams does well working laterally, he’s a true stunt and twist threat, and the Duke product also plays with extremely fun and active hands, which he’ll consistently use to drive and fight through block attempts. Williams is limited positionally, and he needs to do better trying to rush with finesse, looking very average and inconsistent at times. His pad level is high consistently, and he doesn’t do the greatest at setting the EDGE where he too often looks to go laterally instead of setting vertically and stacking/shedding the block. Williams is fun, he’s a situational pass rusher, but he shows the ability to come in on key situations and make an impact, while developing more strength and refined technique to become a possible every down player.