Oakland’s Irvin aids Mack, shows value of free-agent bargain

Bruce Irvin’s first payday in free agency wasn’t anywhere near what Oakland will have to offer to keep pass-rushing teammate and two-time All-Pro Khalil Mack. The former first-round pick by Seattle qualifies as a high-value contributor just the same for a franchise that made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.

Bpa in Round 1? Who Would that Be?

One thing we know about Reg is he mines the draft for quality. Remember when he drafted Khalil Mack? I loved the guy at that place, BUT WE HAD NO QUARTERBACK! Am I the only one who went bonkers when he passed up QB with that pick? It didn’t matter what the team needed, Reggie wanted the BPA.

Raiders mailbag: Mario Edwards Jr. expectations, Derek Carr under center and yes, more Aldon Smith

I’d expect Mario Edwards Jr. to debut in at least a somewhat limited role, maybe in the 15-20 snap range to get his feet wet. It’s impossible to know what Edwards is going to be like after not playing in a regular season game in more than an entire calendar year, but without a doubt, he would be an improvement if he’s near the level he was at last season.

Irvin’s stellar play helps boost Raiders’ improving defense

Bruce Irvin has joked about being Robin to Khalil Mack’s Batman as part of a dynamic pass-rushing duo for the Oakland Raiders. Irvin is coming off perhaps his most productive game of the season for the Raiders after posting two sacks and forcing Philip Rivers into a late-game interception that sealed Oakland’s 19-16 victory Sunday to clinch the team’s first playoff berth since 2002.