With the 79th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Malcolm Koonce out of Buffalo. Here is our quick reaction grade.
The defense was the priority for the Las Vegas Raiders on day two of the 2021 NFL Draft, and with the 79th pick, they selected Malcolm Koonce, a defensive end out of Buffalo. The senior played all four seasons, moving in the starting role in 2019 accumulating 34 tackles, 11 for loss, including a MAC-best nine sacks, and three forced fumbles in 13 games.
Koonce was a first-team All-MAC pick again in 2020, leading Buffalo with five sacks among his 30 stops in six starts, before opting out of his team’s Bowl Game.
As a stand-up rusher, Koonce’s production garnered attention as a possible outside linebacker fit in transitioning to NFL-level competition. His production displayed a knack for having a second gear and quick feet that will surely be welcomed for a team that needs a boost in rushing the passer.
Why the pick makes sense for the Raiders
The Raiders have been in desperate need of a pass rush ever since Jon Gruden took the helm for the second time, and it’s been the same story season over season. In 2020, Las Vegas was fourth-worst in bringing down the quarterback, and when you’re in a division that sees Patrick Mahomes twice a season, you can’t give the opposing quarterback the time of day in the pocket. Las Vegas chose Koonce with giving the pass rush a spark, and it made perfect sense.
Koonce’s production on the edge and knack for turning the corner will be a welcome boost for Gus Bradley’s unit in 2021. Ultimately, there’s nowhere to go but up in terms of bringing down the quarterback, and Koonce should provide some help in that goal.
With 14 sacks in 19 games, the hope is that Las Vegas found another gem in Koonce that can bring the level of production Maxx Crosby did after the Raiders called his name in the fourth round back in 2019.
How he fits and overall grade
After hit-and-miss attempts at finding a solution for generating a pass rush, the hope is that Koonce gives a spark to a team in desperate need of a rusher on the edge. That alone makes him a solid fit, and with defense a need at almost every position, he’ll get a shot at valuable snaps and playing time.
Las Vegas would more than welcome someone that can turn the corner and make the opposing quarterback uncomfortable. Time will tell if Koonce can fit the bill, but for now, he helps address a glaring need and both Gruden and Mayock went in the right direction with their third-round selection.