The Raiders' need of a pass rush has been well-documented.
That's why they drafted Clelin Ferrell with the No. 4 overall draft pick, and drafted Maxx Crosby in the fourth round. It's why Arden Key's improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 was such a hot topic in the offseason. The Silver and Black notched only 13 sacks last season, and it severely hampered them en route to a 4-12 season.
Through two games this season, the Raiders already have collected five sacks, with Benson Mayowa being responsible for 3 1/2. Still, it was clear in Oakland's 28-10 loss to the Chiefs that the pass rush still has a ways to go.
Could help be on the way in the form of a 2017 first-round draft pick?
On Wednesday, the Cowboys finally waived defensive end Taco Charlton after failing to find a trade partner for the disgruntled pass rusher. Charlton requested a trade earlier in the offseason, but after two surgical procedures in the offseason -- one on his ankle and one on his shoulder -- and some character questions, Dallas couldn't find a taker.
With Charlton on waivers, the Raiders could have an opportunity to pick up a talented but so-far underwhelming pass rusher. The Silver and Black currently are No. 4 on the waiver wire, behind the Cardinals, 49ers and Jets.
Charlton has the physical tools to be a successful pass rusher in the NFL, but so far he has faced questions about his durability, maturity and ability. The maturity questions stem from Charlton being benched for a game last season for attitude issues. The issues continued into the offseason when defensive coordinator called him into the facility and had a talk about what the Cowboys expected out of him.
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In two-plus seasons with Dallas, Charlton compiled 46 tackles (26 solo), four sacks, 11 quarterback hits and eight tackles for loss.
It is believed he would be most effective at left defensive end, a position that was blocked in Dallas by Pro-Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence.
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The Raiders need to bolster their pass rush, and head coach Jon Gruden loves a reclamation project. It wouldn't be surprising to see if the Raiders bring in Charlton and see if they can harness his talent and turn him into a productive pro.
