Las Vegas Raiders: 3 players put on notice after the 2021 NFL Draft
Carl Nassib
While the Las Vegas Raiders mainly focused on the secondary of the defense during the draft, they did utilize one of their selections on a promising edge defender from the University of Buffalo. Defense end Malcolm Koonce provides a top-notch physical skillset and motor that will allow him to receive playing time in obvious passing situations.
He may only be a 4th round pick, but he clearly possesses a unique ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. In addition to being a consistent pass rusher, he bears the ability to be a serviceable run defender with proper coaching. For Carl Nassib, Koonce’s ceiling is higher with a far lower salary. Nassib will make $9.5 million this year and could be a potential trade candidate midway through 2021 if Koonce does produce early.
With players such as Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby seeing the majority of snaps on pass-rushing downs, Carl may not have a role with the defense. The Silver and Black cannot afford to be hindered by expensive players that bear no consistent or tangible impacts on the outcome of a game that is also being paid exorbitantly.
2021 NFL Draft was a success for the Las Vegas Raiders
When all the smoke cleared, the Las Vegas Raiders had a successful 2021 NFL Draft, addressing multiple needs across the three-day event.