Las Vegas Raiders: Predictions for the 2021 NFL Draft class
By Nick Ellis
Las Vegas Raiders: Predictions for the 2021 NFL Draft class
Round 3, Pick 79- Malcolm Koonce-DE- Buffalo
Malcolm Koonce will immediately get unfair comparisons to Khalil Mack because of their college, but Mayock and Gruden must have high hopes for Koonce, as he was a player that did not appear to be on a lot of other teams radar.
The Raiders’ pass-rushing situation is a strange one, as they have not performed well as a unit, but do have solid players such as Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell, and newly acquired Yannick Ngakoue. If all of these players line up at defensive end, Koonce could potentially be the fourth player in the rotation, meaning he will likely see a decent amount of playing time.
I do not have high expectations for Koonce, but I do believe he can make an impact in some games. I see Koonce as a player who could come in fresh late in some games and get a sack when needed, possibly finishing the season with three to four sacks, showing promise, but potentially falling short of some people’s unfair expectations.