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Las Vegas Raiders: 3 defensive gambles that must pay off in 2021

By Brad Weiss

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/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 /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 defensive gambles that must pay off in 2021

Giant question marks at defensive tackle

Finally, we turn our attention to the defensive line, where the Raiders have some solid depth at defensive end, especially after bringing in Yannick Ngakoue via free agency. However, the interior of the defensive line is still a mystery, as they know they have a proven starter in Johnathan Hankins and a bunch of guys battling it out to start alongside him.

Las Vegas took some fliers this summer, adding the likes of Quinton Jefferson, Darius Philon, and Solomon Thomas, while also bringing in Darius Stills as an undrafted free agent. All four of those guys will be battling it out for playing time, and none of the four is someone you can definitely say will either start or even make the roster this summer.

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 offensive gambles that must pay off in 2021. dark. Next

The Raiders also could decide to bring in Clelin Ferrell to the interior on a more permanent basis, but him giving the defense more flexibility is where he should be in 2021. Overall, the Raiders struggled to get any kind of push in 2020, and the gamble is that this collection of players can find someone to stand out this summer, and actually help this team win games this Fall.

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