The Oakland Raiders need a pass-rush. That is no secret. In 2018, the team tallied just 13 sacks on the year. It is easily the biggest need on the team heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.
That is why the Raiders should turn over every possible stone to find help on the edge. One name that could be available via trade is Emmanuel Ogbah of the Cleveland Browns.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ogbah did not report to the team’s offseason workouts as he expects to be traded soon. Earlier this offseason, the Browns traded for Olivier Vernon to pair with Myles Garrett. Ogbah is entering the final year of his contract and is now searching for a new home.
Ogbah has started 40 games in the last three seasons, recording 16 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. In 2018, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 84th-ranked edge defender in the league but excelling in run defense despite his overall grade.
Could the Raiders have interest in the former Oklahoma State Cowboy? In 2016, Mike Mayock graded Ogbah as the 29th-best player in the draft. Would Mayock be open to giving up a Day 3 selection to acquire a player he once loved? Considering how aggressive the team has been this offseason, that wouldn’t be all that surprising.
If nothing else, Ogbah would provide more depth at the position and might allow the Raiders to be more patient at the draft. If the cost is anything less than a third-round pick, Oakland should jump all over this possibility.
