Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that must perform for a 2021 playoff berth
By CJ Errickson
Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that must perform for a 2021 playoff berth
Yannick Ngakoue
Since the trade of former All-Pro edge defender Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears in 2018, the Las Vegas Raiders have had a severe void in the pass rush department. As the organization ranked in the bottom-5 in the NFL for both sacks and pressures in the past three seasons, the numbers and production are lacking.
However, the chasm of pass rush despair may have been sealed, as the Raiders signed free-agent defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Yannick has had a tumultuous past ride since 2019 as he has played for three different NFL teams and defensive schemes. Despite the changes, he has still managed to rack up 16 sacks in that timeframe.
Subtract Maxx Crosby’s sack totals from the past two seasons, and that total is only 14.5 less than the entire Raider DL’s total (30.5 sacks) in the same time frame. For the Raiders, that type of production will be needed this upcoming season.
It is safe to say the Prince George County, Maryland native, is a difference-maker.
Yannick Ngakoue can elevate the entire Raiders defense in 2021.
As the Las Vegas Raider organization once saw with a former top pass rusher, a difference-maker at this position can change the fortunes of an entire contest. While new defensive end Yannick Ngakoue isn’t quite the level as Chicago Bears edge defender Khalil Mack, he bears the potential to reach that point.
Yannick recently just turned 26 years old and is just entering the prime of his career. He will be reunited with his former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley while under the well-respected Raiders defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. It projects as a favorable situation for a player who has performed in varying circumstances for the past two seasons.
Ultimately, his ability to generate a consistent pass rush will benefit all on the defensive line and the secondary. Speaking of the secondary, the next player on this list may benefit most from Ngakoue’s presence.