Las Vegas Raiders: How does Gerald McCoy change the plans at DT?
By Daniel Davis
The Las Vegas Raiders continue to bolster an ailing defense as they bring in former six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
On Wednesday night, the Las Vegas Raiders made a move that will continue to revamp their defense, adding six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The veteran, who did not play last season due to a ruptured right quadriceps tendon in the preseason, will now join a group that is deep but with a lot of question marks.
With this move, the Raiders continue to add depth to their most critical need, defensive line. McCoy was once one of the best defensive tackles in the league, and if he is healthy, he brings incredible talent and leadership to this group upfront.
Currently, the Raiders have eight defensive tackles, but more than likely about three to four will not be on the final roster. This leaves the starters Quinton Jefferson and Johnathan Hankins and spelled by McCoy, Solomon Thomas, and possibly Kendal Vickers. McCoy allows for more versatility on a defensive front that has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.
With the recent news of defensive end Clelin Ferrell effectively being demoted, maybe McCoy, known for his pass-rushing ability, can bring his skills to Las Vegas. Remember, Ferrell has been used in a lot of three-technique pass-rushing formations, so while he may not start on the outside, he is going to be in the mix when it comes to the interior.
McCoy was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the third-overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and played with the Buccaneers up until 2018 when he was released and signed by the Bucs division rivals the Carolina Panthers for the 2019 season to a one-year prove-it deal. At the end of the season, the Panthers elected to release him and he was subsequently signed by the Cowboys, which is where he got injured last August.
Over his career, McCoy has 66 sacks, with 437 tackles and 278 quarterback hurries. His best season came in 2013 when he boasted ten sacks with 14 hits, and he also had 37 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. McCoy has been to six Pro Bowls, been elected to the All-Pro team three times, second-team All-Pro once, and the All American team two times during his time at Oklahoma.
One thing is clear, the Las Vegas Raiders are going all-in on the defense this year and it’s time for Gus Bradley and the Raiders coaching staff to produce with all the tools that have been added.