Defensive Line
The Raiders have made the defensive line the focus over the 2019 NFL Draft, and even this year in free agency. After drafting talented edge rushers like Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell last year, they bolstered the interior in free agency this year, bringing in Maliek Collins from the Dallas Cowboys.
Defensive End: Clelin Ferrell
Many believed that the Raiders reached for Clelin Ferrell last year, and although he did not perform to his draft spot, he had a solid rookie season. If Ferrell can add some mass, and use his rookie year as a learning tool, he could surprise a lot of people next year now that he will be playing in position.
Defensive Tackle: Maurice Hurst
Maurice Hurst continues to impress as the best interior pass rusher on the roster. Hurst was great for the Raiders last season, stopping the run and rushing the quarterback, and the expectation is that he could be a Pro Bowler in 2020.
Defensive Tackle: Maliek Collins
The Raiders added former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins in free agency, adding to an already solid group of tackles with Johnathan Hankins and P.J. Hall. Expect Collins so start in this role as arguably the best run stopper on the line, as the team continues to get better up front.
Defensive End: Maxx Crosby
Maxx Crosby was the Defensive MVP for the Raiders last year, surprising everyone with an incredible rookie season. If Crosby can continue to improve, he could be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate for the league in the near future, and a perennial double-digit sack guy.