Oakland Raiders: Recapping the 2018 offseason

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Defensive tackle Justin Ellis No. 78 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a big play against the San Francisco 49ers late in the third quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Re-signing Justin Ellis to a three-year extension

Another big issue with the team last season was the lack of pressure from the interior of the defensive line. The Raiders just got no push, and it was clear that they needed to bolster this position group moving forward.

The first task the team took on was re-signing Justin Ellis, who will be a starter in Paul Guenther’s 4-3 scheme this season. Ellis had his best season as a pro last season, actually getting his first NFL sack, as he started 14 of the Raiders 16 games.

In addition to Ellis, the Raiders made sure they brought in talent to take some of the pressure off of Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin on the edges. Oakland drafted two solid defensive tackles in the 2018 NFL Draft in P.J. Hall and Maurice Hurst, and if Eddie Vanderdoes is healthy for Week 1, the Raiders should have some solid talent up front.

Ellis has yet to reach his true potential in the Silver and Black, but the change in defensive coordinators should help him immensely. He played very well at times last season, and with better players around him, he should be in for his best season yet in 2018.

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