Can the revamped Las Vegas Raiders defense dominate in 2020?
Better up front on defense
Not only did Mayock improve player personnel on the defensive line, but he also added a coach who is one of the best in the game in Rod Marinelli. This is not a knock on Brentson Buckner, who I believe did an outstanding job in 2019, but Marinelli is just a better coach right now, and should help the unit take the next step forward.
This offseason, Maliek Collins was brought in from Dallas, and he is expected to anchor the defense in 2020. He joins a position group that will include guys like Maurice Hurst, who is entering a crucial third NFL season, and Johnathan Hankins, who has been terrific since coming over to the franchise a few years back.
On the edge, Carl Nassib joins a dominant young tandem in Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, while Arden Key seems to be turning the corner entering Year 3. If Key can stay healthy, this foursome at defensive end could be one of the younger, and more terrorizing in the NFL.
Overall, the Raiders defensive line is better than it has been in quite some time, and they have an elite coach at the helm. Getting pressure is going to be crucial, especially early on in 2020, and they seem to have the collection of guys who can do just that.