Grading the Las Vegas Raiders additions on defense
Carl Nassib OLB/DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carl Nassib is most known for his hilarious financial advice on Hard Knocks with the Cleveland Browns but he should be more known for his production. Nassib was drafted in the third round out of Penn State by the Browns but we did not see the best of him until he moved to Tampa Bay in 2018.
In two years with the Buccaneers, Nassib racked up 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 17 tackles for loss. It was in Tampa that Nassib showed off some versatility as he played as a DE in a 4-3 and outside linebacker in a 3-4 which could be a great asset to the Raiders defense.
The former Nittany Lion signed a three year deal for $25 million which would put him outside the top 20 in average salary at the defensive end position. He does not project to be a starter after the emergence of Maxx Crosby and the commitment the Raiders have to top-5 pick Clelin Ferrell, but he is an upgrade over previous backups Benson Mayowa and Josh Mauro.
Defensive line depth and situational pass rushers are two things that no team can have too much of and if he is as productive in Las Vegas as he was in Tampa Bay then it will be a great value for the Raiders. This is not splash signing but it addresses a position of need with a proven player and has the same effect as the Kwiatkoski signing in keeping the Raiders from reaching for pass rush help in the draft.