4 Defensive linemen the Las Vegas Raiders should target

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) starts the game as a backup in the first quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. The Bengals led 17-10 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) starts the game as a backup in the first quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. The Bengals led 17-10 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals /
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Oct 25, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles with the ball as Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) defends during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles with the ball as Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) defends during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

OLB Whitney Mercilus – Houston Texans

The Houston Texans appear to be heading towards a top-five pick but unfortunately for them they have already traded that selection away to the Miami Dolphins. They are in desperate need of a rebuild after former head coach and GM Bill O’Brien left the cupboard bare by trading for the likes of Laremy Tunsil and making other questionable moves during his tenure.

One way they could reload is by trading one of their veteran pass rushers and trading away Mr. Texan himself JJ Watt will be extremely unpopular, they could choose to move on from Whitney Mercilus instead. Mercilus is 30 and is due $10.5 million this season and next so the Texans may trade him to a contender to add a pick or two to their arsenal for the 2021 draft.

Mercilus is a versatile linebacker that can play on or off the ball and is another veteran player that the Raiders could invest in to help improve the defense’s maturity. His contract also has an out after the 2021 season so this would not be a long term investment for the Silver and Black.