Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. was one of the bright spots of the 2015 season. The second-round pick out of Florida State came into the league with a few questions dangling over his status – some had challenged his work ethic and desire in college – but he had a strong rookie season, starting 10 games before having to sit out the final two with a neck injury.
That injury then loomed as something much larger after the season, with general manager Reggie McKenzie indicating doctors had not yet cleared Edwards to resume workouts or to practice with the team. McKenzie at one point said Edwards’ problem might even be genetic, hinting that his season or career could be in jeopardy.
Yet the Raiders received good news this past week when Edwards took part in offseason team drills.
So, as the Raiders get set to begin the rookie minicamp that begins this Friday, it appears Edwards will be in the mix to earn his place on what should be a much deeper and more talented defensive line going into 2016.
Edwards was coming on strong after the first quarter of the season and played in 14 games. He was in on 33 tackles, had 2½ sacks, forced a fumble and patted down two passes.
This past Friday, Edwards posted on social media that he had been cleared to resume football activities and was excited.
“Just wanna give God the glory because it was him and only him. Got the final clearance I needed to return back to the game I love. IM BACK#97,” he tweeted.
Raiders
Edwards had hurt his neck in a Week 15 game against the Packers. It was a setback both for him and the Raiders defense. Edwards had emerged as a strong force on the line – a surprise to some draft analysts who had judged him as an overweight underachiever in his final college season.
But Edwards worked hard after that season, cutting about 35 pounds by many accounts, and showed the potential McKenzie had seen in him.
Now with Edwards healthy again, he figures to be the top candidate to start at one defensive end spot, with Khalil Mack on the other side (when he’s not aligned as a linebacker). With draft picks Jihad Ward and Shilique Calhoun joining holdovers Denico Autry and Shelby Harris, the Raiders’ corps of talent at the defensive end position is much younger and deeper as spring and summer camps approach.
