September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards (97) during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders really struck gold in round two with their pick, Mario Edwards Jr. Kyle Terada USA TODAY Sports
Mario Edwards Jr. was just a bench-warming rookie a few short weeks ago.
He's a full-fledged starter now that Justin Tuck is out. And the second-round pick has proved more than worthy of the starter's snaps he's been playing.
In fact, Edwards Jr. was the most active Raiders defensive lineman against the Jets last weekend. Star defender Khalil Mack played 51, by comparison.
The Raiders have enough edge rushers like Mack. They don't have anyone who does was Edwards Jr. does for all three downs in either a 4-3 or 3-4 front.
Ask Jets' running back Chris Ivory who the most valuable Raiders lineman is. He'll probably name the player who stopped him on a wide open screen pass and on a 3-and-1 carry: Mario Edwards Jr.
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