It has been a busy offseason for the Raiders Defensive Line. The team announced its 53-man roster on Saturday, thus selecting the nine defensive linemen that will wear the Silver and Black next Monday Night.
After an abysmal 2018, where the Oakland Raiders ranked dead last in sacks and 30th in rushing yards allowed, it was absolutely imperative that the team address its defensive line in the offseason. General manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden did just that, as the team brought in ten new defensive lineman since the end of last season. Of those acquisitions, the two most notable are first-round pick Clelin Ferrell and fourth-rounder Maxx Crosby.
Interestingly enough, it appears as if Ferrell and Crosby will not be the only rookies the Raiders will rely on this season. Undrafted free agent Anthony Rush had a strong outing in the preseason and surprisingly made the team. Out of the nine defensive linemen on the roster, five are either rookies or entering their second season.
From this position group, the most notable cut might have been the first one: Last Chance U star, Ronald Ollie. The reality television start didn’t last long and that opened the door for late free agent signings, Ethan Westbrooks and Corey Liuget. Unfortunately for Westbrooks, that door did not lead to a roster spot.
Preseason performance didn’t seem to be much of a factor when it came to roster spots along the defensive line. Two of the team’s best performers during the games that didn’t count were the aforementioned Westbrooks and defensive tackle Anthony Rush. The Raiders hope Rush will clear waivers and join the practice squad, while the late-August signing of Liuget appears to be the nail in the coffin for Westbrooks.