Oakland Raiders' first-round pick, Amari Cooper, has been one of the NFL's best rookies in the first half of the season. But the Raiders second-round pick is starting to make his presence felt as well.
Defensive lineman Mario Edwards has become a full-fledged part of a re-energized defense in recent weeks due to injuries. Monday, a day after the Raiders improved to 4-3 with a win over the New York Jets, coach Jack Del Rio had high praise for the Florida State product who was the No. 35 overall draft pick.
"He's a talented young man that has earned more playing time with Justin (Tuck) going down," Del Rio said. "He's been thrust into a role that he really had earned from his performance, but the timing of it made it such that he's going to get the lion's share of the work there and he's really flourished. He's really done a nice job for us."
In other Raiders' notes:
Backup safety Larry Asante played extensively Sunday as the Raiders' used an extra defensive back for much of the game. Del Rio said that was game-plan specific for the Jets, but Asante's performance could warrant him more playing time at Pittsburgh on Sunday.
The Raiders current 53-man roster is very healthy for this time of the year. Del Rio said he believes the team's approach to conditioning as well as good fortune has played roles in the Raiders' good health.
