Versatile edge rusher Max Valles signed a contract with the Raiders, the team announced on Friday. The Virginia product inked a four-year contract, per his slot in the NFL rookie wage scale.
Valles is an intriguing prospect, with psychical tools that excite. He’s 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, with a frame to add weight and the frames to add bulk if required.
The team made a point to say that he’ll be a defensive end in the Raiders defense, though he’d be a speed rusher in the 4-3 defensive alignment and could fill an immediate need.
It’s tough to expect a sixth-round pick to contribute right away, but Valles may be an exception.
He was stellar at Virginia, leading an Eli Harold-sparked defense with eight sacks in 2014. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and could fill a void at the LEO position, which is an edge rusher on the weak side.
