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Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agent targets for roster needs in 2021

By Maurice Moton

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Carl Lawson. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Carl Lawson. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agent targets for roster needs in 2021

Edge-Rusher

The Raiders should take the biggest swing at edge-rusher this offseason. They’ve ranked 24th or worse in sacks for each of the last three campaigns. Defensive end Maxx Crosby needs a partner in pushing the pocket. Clelin Ferrell can set the edge against the run, but he doesn’t provide enough consistency in the pass rush.

Yannick Ngakoue (Best Option)

Yannick Ngakoue played the Leo role in his rookie year under Gus Bradley, who served as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach through the 2016 season. Despite early criticisms of his run defense, he’s rounded out his performances over the past few years, logging at least ten tackles for loss in three out of five campaigns.

With at least eight sacks in all five of his pro seasons, Ngakoue can help solve the Raiders’ issues on the edge. He’s an established 25-year-old playmaker who’s still on the rise.

Carl Lawson (Writer’s Suggestion)

As a rookie fourth-rounder from the 2017 draft, Carl Lawson recorded 8.5 sacks and showed signs of a Day 3 steal. In 2018, he tore his ACL and appeared in just seven contests. The Auburn product gradually bounced back over the past two terms, logging 54 quarterback hits and 10.5 sacks in that span.

Lawson has only played more than 43 percent of the defensive snaps in one out of four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Raiders can shift Ferrell inside as a 5-technique two-gap defender and unleash Lawson on the edge, unlocking the 25-year-old’s true potential as a pass-rusher.

Melvin Ingram III (Gus Bradley’s Choice)

Melvin Ingram III will draw mixed reactions because he turns 32 years old in April after missing nine games this past season with a nagging knee injury.

However, before Ingram’s injury-riddled campaign, he logged at least seven sacks in five consecutive seasons. If healthy, the three-time Pro Bowler can make an impact in a rotational role on the edge. His experience in odd- and even-man fronts will allow him to play on all three downs.

And of course, Bradley knows him well from their time with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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