Las Vegas Raiders will be strong up front on both sides of the ball
By Brad Weiss
![SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Johnathan Hankins #90 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Johnathan Hankins #90 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F1056139726-850x560-8c969cbbe14feb5f369bcec60b20a8c4b6a1897d7cf655b217116316c478ea69.jpg)
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a concerted effort to get better up front on both sides of the ball, and both units could be dominant in 2020.
Mike Mayock was brought in as general manager of the Raiders franchise a few years back to not only revamp the roster, but to change the culture. Teaming with head coach Jon Gruden, Mayock has raised the standard of what it takes to put on the Silver and Black, and has put together a team that should challenge for at least a playoff spot in 2020.
Looking at the team he and Gruden have put together, it is clear that they have not only gotten better at the skill positions, but their offensive and defensive line are filled with talented players. Between veterans and guys going into their second or third year, the Raiders feature big, fast, and strong men on both sides of the line, and that is going to go a long way in their first season in Vegas.
A lot of the talk this offseason has circled around Derek Carr, but the men who protect him should get a ton of praise, as they feature five guys who are Pro Bowl caliber. On defense, Maxx Crosby exploded as a rookie from his edge rusher spot last season, and this offseason, Maliek Collins was brought in to put the finishing touches on the defensive tackle position.
On thing is for sure, the Raiders are vastly improved up front on both sides of the ball since Mayock took over as general manager.