Outback Bowl: Why Raiders Fans Should Watch Iowa Vs. Mississippi State

The 2018 NFL regular season has come to an end, and yes, the Raiders really need help rushing the passer. Oakland finished dead last with 13 sacks in 16 games. 

In other news, Khalil Mack had 12.5 sacks ... by himself.

With the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Raiders easily could select an edge rusher to address their biggest need. That doesn't mean they shouldn't go after another one, even later in the first round. And that's exactly why Raiders fans should tune into the Outback Bowl when Mississippi State plays Iowa.

Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

Sweat knows how to get after the quarterback. The last two years, he's combined for 22 sacks in 25 games. He's also totaled 29.5 tackles for loss in that same span. He's a difference maker in the run game and pass game on defense. 

Here he is against Alabama causing a sack on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa: 

Sweat stands at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds with extremely long arms. The Draft Network compares him to Emmanuel Ogbah, who went No. 32 overall to the Browns in 2016. His scouting report from the same outlet highlights his explosiveness while pointing out a lack of flexibility as his weakness.

Many view Sweat as a mid-first round prospect. There's always the possibility he slides into the 20s and the Raiders could pounce at the chance to add him.

Here's how Raiders fans can watch Mississippi State play Iowa in the Outback Bowl: 

When: Tuesday, Jan. 1, at 9 a.m. PT
TV Channel: ESPN2
Live Stream: Watch ESPN

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