Las Vegas Raiders revamped their defensive line early in free agency
By Kenny King
Las Vegas Raiders revamped their defensive line early in free agency
Returning Faces
Johnathan Hankins
Johnathan Hankins arrived in Oakland via the waiver wire in 2018 and quickly developed into a force on the defensive line. Hankins has been the most dominant run-stopper on the Raiders since joining the team and has solidified his role as one of the best nose tackles in the National Football League.
In 2020, the Raiders suffered against the run due to injuries at the defensive tackle position, but Hankins played well against the run, as he amassed 27 tackles in 16 games while remaining the only healthy player on the line.
David Irving
When David Irving was reinstated by the NFL in 2020, he was contacted by a familiar face in defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, who coached Irving in Dallas. Irving joined the Raiders and made an immediate impact on the field, however as quickly as his impact was made, he was injured and missed the remainder of the season.
On February 18, 2021, the Raiders re-signed the 6-foot-7 290 lb. versatile defensive lineman. In Irving’s five-year career he has accumulated 12.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and five forced fumbles, and will be an instrumental rotational player in Gus Bradley’s defense.