Levi Edwards

Christopher John Armstrong from Nevada asks:

"Get an edge rusher to be a book end for Maxx Crosby."

As the NFL Combine approaches next week, there will be a few good edge rushers to keep an eye on.

A name that impresses me a lot is Miami's Akheem Mesidor. He reaped the benefits of playing alongside potential first-rounder Rueben Bain, as the two were catalysts in the Hurricanes run to the CFB National Championship game. The First-Team All-ACC lineman recorded 12.5 sacks in 2025, 5.5 in which he picked up in the college football playoffs.

While he has good size with the ability to play multiple spots across the defensive line, his age seems to be a concern by some turning 25 weeks before the draft. Therefore, his draft stock could slide even with an exceptional showing at the NFL Combine placing him on the radar for the Silver and Black on Day 2.

A few other edge rushers to watch at the Combine will be Western Michigan's Nadame Tucker, who picked up two sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the 2026 Senior Bowl. The reigningMAC Defensive Player of the Yearalso led the nation in sacks (12.4) and tackles for loss (22.5) this past season as an elite showing at the Combine would help elevate the small school prospect's draft stock. Another under the radar lineman is Duke's Vincent Anthony Jr. as the 6-foot-6, 250 pounder had a clutch strip sack for the National defense in the Senior Bowl.

It's also within the realm of possibility the Raiders take a good look at top edge rushers David Bailey from Texas Tech and the aforementioned Bain, in the case they acquire another first-round pick between now and April.

Art Waechtler from California asks:

"Are they going to the combine to find some OL studs?"

Raiders new head coach Klint Kubiak made it known loud and clear he'll be addressing the offensive line this offseason. It's certainly the quickest path to unlocking the true potential of running backAshton Jeanty, who led all rookies in rushing yards in 2025.

"We've got to get the line on the same page," Kubiak said in his introductory press conference, "we've got to get our quarterback to get the right run checks. We've got to get our receivers to go block for him so that we can get the play action going. But as soon as our players can realize that it's a team thing, it's not an individual thing, we're going to be successful."

The top offensive tackles invited to the Combine are Miami's Francis Mauigoa, Alabama's Kaydn Proctor and Utah's Spencer Fano. While all three are regarded as first-round talent, landing one out of this trio to build up the line would be beneficial.

There's also a few exceptional interior linemen which includes Rose Bowl offensive MVP Pat Coogan, who blocked for Fernando Mendoza at Indiana, and Rimington Trophy Logan Jones from Iowa.

Bleu Derry asks:

"If Kubiak has had success with QB's like Darnold, Carr and Cousins, why draft Mendoza No. 1? Why not trade back a spot or two, collect multiple first round picks and address multiple positions?"

After the world labeled former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold as a castoff for his stint with the New York Jets, he went to two Super Bowls with Klint Kubiak on his coaching staff. While the first was with the San Francisco 49ers as Brock Purdy's backup, he most recently led the Seahawks to a 14-3 regular season record and a Super Bowl title with Kubiak as his offensive coordinator.

While Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings, Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins combined for a 48:12 touchdown to interception ratio with 13 wins.

So yes, Klint Kubiak has been able to make sweet lemonade with the lemons provided to him in the past.

But does that warrant finding another option at quarterback when Fernando Mendoza is for the taking with the No. 1 pick? Especially after the season Mendoza just had at Indiana?

That's the question Kubiak will be trying to answer, with a great opportunity to interview Mendoza at the Combine next week.

"I saw him play in the National Championship game," said Kubiak, "I saw the interviews he's given after those games and how team oriented he is. But I look forward to getting to know the player better, but obviously a really talented guy with a bright future and we'll see where he ends up. But we have a lot to do to get to know him before that time comes."