Las Vegas Raiders 53-man 2020 Week 1 roster prediction
By Nick Ellis
Las Vegas Raiders 53-man 2020 Week 1 roster prediction
Defensive End (4): Clelin Ferrell, Carl Nassib, Maxx Crosby, Arden Key
The Raiders defensive end group has a lot of potential, but they will need to finally put it together to get the results they are capable of. Clelin Ferrell was the first of three first round picks for the Raiders in 2019, and although he did not play great, he had a solid rookie season.
Ferrell comes into this season much bigger with much more muscle and will likely move around between defensive end and tackle.
Maxx Crosby was the steal of the draft last year, recording double-digit sacks, and being the best player on the team’s defense. Crosby will look to continue his dominance and become one of the best defensive ends in the league, and like Ferrell, he has bulked up this offseason despite a bout with COVID-19.
The Raiders added defensive end Carl Nassib for depth, and although he is not a sack machine, he does bring more talent to the position, can develop a pass rush, and is a solid run stopper. He is a guy who can get you six or so sacks a season, so that is a good person to have rotating in.
The last defensive end is Arden Key, who looked to be improving last season before suffering an injury. Key has potential to be a great pass rusher, but he has not been able to show it. This year could be Key’s last chance to prove he belongs on the Raiders roster.