Raiders’ Hurst Could Be a Pro Bowl Defensive Tackle in Year 2

The Raiders got lucky in 2018 when defensive tackle Maurice Hurst dropped all the way to the fifth round because of a heart condition.

Oakland selected the former Michigan standout (who was cleared by doctors) and watched him put up a strong rookie year. On a defense with little pass rush (13 team sacks), Hurst had four of them – from the inside of the defensive line – and was in on 31 tackles.

Now, with added help along the defensive line, Hurst could be poised for a much better season in 2019.

In fact, Marc Sessler of NFL.com predicted this week that Hurst will be a Pro Bowl player in his second season.

Wrote Sessler: "The interior D-lineman was the best Raiders defender for long stretches in 2018 and looms as a steal for the silver and black."

According to the analytic website Pro Football Focus, Hurst was the Raiders’ highest-graded tackler, and ranked No. 6 across the NFL among all interior defenders. PFF gave him high grades as both a pass rusher and run defender.

Sessler believes Hurst is one of several first- or second-year Raiders positioned for a breakout, Pro Bowl-type season, including cornerback Gareon Conley, defensive ends Arden Key and Clelin Ferrell, running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram.