Oakland Raiders: Post-draft 53-man roster projection

Defensive Line

Arden Key, Clelin Ferrell, Quinton Bell, P.J. Hall, Maurice Hurst, Justin Ellis, Johnathan Hankins, Maxx Crosby (8)

The Raiders went into the 2019 NFL Draft knowing they had to do something to address the defensive end position, and they did just that, bringing in three quality players. The first pick came early, as they selected Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell with the No. 4 overall pick, and he certainly has the talent to be a special player for this team moving forward.

Outside of the Ferrell, the Raiders also brought in Maxx Crosby with their fourth round pick, and Quinton Bell with their seventh round selection. Crosby has that kind of motor that Jon Gruden loves, but needs to get stronger, and Bell, a former wide receiver, is the nephew of former Raiders running back Nick Bell.

In the middle, P.J. Hall and Maurice Hurst played very well as rookies last season, though Hurst had a better season than his fellow rookie. He should start on the inside along with Justin Ellis, who should be healthy this season, and is very good at stuffing the run.

Johnathan Hankins was a beast for Oakland last season, and he should play heavily into the rotation for the Raiders in 2019. It will be interesting to see what 2017 pick Eddie Vanderdoes looks like this summer, because if he looks like the player who played well as a rookie back in 2017, he could be someone who makes this roster as well.