Oakland Raiders: 3 position groups with the most depth in 2019
By Sanjit T.
Defensive Line
Prior to the Week 1 matchup against the Rams, we could guess which defensive linemen would make the team, and which players would end up cut. However, after that first game, the perception changed a lot.
Anthony Rush has stepped up tremendously, and some believe he could be a lock to make the Week 1 roster. As has not been the case in recent years, this is going to be a tough spot to make cuts in 2019.
Rush was not only destroying offensive linemen, but he was actually making plays. He had three tackles and caused some disruption on two others, plays that he did not make the tackle, but did cause the play to end with a loss of yards.
When you consider he did all of that on only 13 running plays against the Rams, it is that much more impressive.
Aside from Rush, Ethan Westbrooks also had a pretty strong outing against Los Angeles. Westbrooks had two quarterback hits and was very strong rushing the passer.
Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key had really impressive games as well, with Key racking up one sack and three quarterback hits, while Ferrell had a number of tackles against the run.
Considering Johnathan Hankins, Justin Ellis and P.J. Hall didn’t play in the first game, the defensive line is going to be special, but a lot of that will depend on Coach Brentson Buckner developing the young linemen.