3 Interior defensive linemen the Las Vegas Raiders need to consider

Could the Raiders bring back Shelby Harris?

The former Oakland Raider would be a solid addition to the Silver and Black’s defense. The 29-year-old defensive lineman is listed as an end in Denver’s defense, however, he brings tremendous pressure from the inside. While Hankins can stuff the run, Harris would help alleviate the lack of inside pressure that ails the Raiders.

In theory, this would help Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell by freeing them up with one on one matchups.

With the Broncos, Harris accumulated a PFF pass-rush grade of 83.5 last year, and his run-stopping abilities also shined with a 76.1 grade. Per Pro Football Reference, Harris did an excellent job attacking opposing signal-callers these past two years. He generated eight and a half sacks, 26 total pressures, and 12 tackles for a loss in the backfield.

Harris is still young and he could help solidify the Raiders’ interior for the next two to three years.

How about Sheldon Rankins?

The 12th overall selection from the 2016 NFL draft would help relieve the woes of the Raiders’ defense. Rankins has battled injuries these past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints but there’s plenty of upside.

When healthy, Rankins has displayed excellent movement and impressive quickness for someone of his size.

Rankins had a noteworthy 2018 campaign, as it was the last time he played 16 regular-season games. That year, he accumulated eight sacks, 25 total pressures, and 12 tackles for a loss in the backfield per Pro Football Reference. Though he battled injuries as mentioned above, Rankins did post solid numbers in 2020.

He totaled 12 total pressures and had three tackles for a loss, so for the right price, Rankins could still be a nice stop-gap solution if Hankins end up leaving.