Arden Key NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Oakland Raiders' Pick

POSITIVES

—Natural talent is obvious with his speed and agility. Moves well in space.

—Posted 12.5 sacks in 2016.

—Easy transition to a stand-up outside linebacker position where he can explode from a sprinter's stance.

—Has the speed and quickness to stun blockers and win off the first step but also shows a countermove.

—Has the length (33 ½" arms) scouts dream about for an edge-rusher and uses it well to keep tackles off his thin frame (6'5", 238 lbs).

—He's shown he can work tackles with speed and then counter with an inside move.

NEGATIVES

—Has struggled to maintain weight. Team sources told us he was up to 280 pounds but came to the combine at 238. Ideally would play around 255.

—Left the program in spring of 2017 for undisclosed reasons and, per team sources, had shoulder surgery without consulting team doctors.

—Played in just eight games last season due to finger and shoulder injuries.

—Can be soft at the point of attack and doesn't use his length well.

—Off-field concerns are the major reason Key is no longer seen as the top-10 talent he was thought to be before the 2017 season.

Arden Key Edge NFL Draft

OVERALL

Arden Key is no doubt talented, but it is concerning to see his production and impact drop in his final season. Add in to that rumors from scouts of failed drug tests, injuries and his struggles with weight control, and a former top-tier prospect is now a gamble.

GRADE: 6.50 (Round 2-3)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings