Raiders roster: 5 Pending FAs who are key to a playoff berth in 2021

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) recovers a fumble by New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (not pictured) in the first half of a game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyj Vs Lv
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) recovers a fumble by New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (not pictured) in the first half of a game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyj Vs Lv

Raiders roster: 5 Pending FAs who are key to a playoff berth in 2021

Johnathan Hankins, DT

This offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders went out of their way to revamp the defensive line, including bringing in talent in the middle, as well as on the edge. They added an elite edge rusher in Yannick Ngakoue on the outside and drafted Malcolm Koonce, who could be the best University of Buffalo player since Khalil Mack.

On the inside, they went with a lot of veteran talent, including some players they are taking a flier on in Solomon Thomas and Darius Philon. Las Vegas even decided to move on from some of their own draft picks along the defensive line, as Maurice Hurst and Arden Key were both released, and both ended up in San Francisco.

Looking forward, the Raiders will need another big season out of Johnathan Hankins, who got a new deal this offseason, and will be looking to prove he can stay consistent in the middle of this defensive line. He has been an outstanding get since coming to the Raiders a few years back, and while the defense has struggled, he has been one of the few bright spots.

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