Las Vegas Raiders: 3 offseason moves that could backfire in 2021

By Brad Weiss | May 14, 2021

Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (left) and general manager Mike Mayock walk off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Solomon Thomas. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 offseason moves that could backfire in 2021

Taking fliers on incoming defensive tackles

Last season, the Raiders failed to get any kind of consistent push up front along the defensive line, leading to them only racking up 21 sacks as a team. That lack of pressure enabled quarterbacks to pick apart a below-average secondary, as the Silver and Black finished towards the end of the league in total defense.

This offseason, Mayock needed to add playmakers on all three levels, and he did a good job on the edge, adding Ngakoue. In the secondary, the Raiders definitely got better with their draft picks, Hayward, and bringing back Karl Joseph, but the interior of the defensive line is going to be a question mark.

Mayock brought in new faces along the defensive line, but no one has really proven to be a difference-maker at the NFL level. Solomon Thomas, Quinton Jefferson, and Darius Philon have had their moments, but if Johnathan Hankins and possibly Clelin Ferrell do not have big seasons, this could be a big weakness for the Raiders’ defense.

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