Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agency targets post-2021 NFL Draft

Apr 11, 2019, Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock speaks at a press conference at the Raiders practice facility prior to the 2019 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2019, Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock speaks at a press conference at the Raiders practice facility prior to the 2019 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Houston
Justin Houston /

Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agency targets post-2021 NFL Draft

Justin Houston, LB

After drafting pass rushers Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo back-to-back in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts appear as though they are not bringing back veteran pass rusher Justin Houston. In 2020, Houston finished the season with eight sacks, which was higher than any pass rusher on the Las Vegas defense.

While Las Vegas brought on a Ngokue and rookie Malcolm Koonce to make a difference in the pass rush, having too many pass rushers is never an issue in the NFL. Especially when Las Vegas has hardly been able to reach the quarterback since Khalil Mack was traded.

Having Houston occasionally rush off the edge with Ngokue, Crosby, Ferrell, and the rest would make it extremely difficult for opposing offensive lineman and coaches to choose which rusher to double team. Remember, this team had 21 sacks as a unit last year, with seven coming from Maxx Crosby, so they certainly could take all the help they can get.