Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City 2021 Week 14: Studs and Duds

Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City 2021 Week 14: Studs and Duds

Studs – Divine Deablo and Malcolm Koonce

There was not much to be excited about the last two weeks when it comes to this Raiders team but two players in Divine Deablo and Malcolm Koonce have stood out for all the right reasons. Deablo has been forced into duty thanks to injuries to Denzel Perryman and Cory Littleton during the Washington game and he has played very well in relief.

The former third-round pick has 21 tackles over his last two games and has flashed his coverage ability with some nice reads in the passing game. Deablo looks like a prototypical modern linebacker as he has the size at 6’3, 226lbs to stay with tight ends, and the 4.42 speed necessary to cover backs out of the backfield.

Malcolm Koonce has not played as much as Deablo but he has also been pressed into duty thanks to injuries to Carl Nassib and other members of the defensive line. Koonce has played just 22 snaps in two games but has recorded two sacks in limited action and is now tied for 5th on the team with those totals. The young defender has been a healthy scratch as the odd man out for much of the season but the team should continue giving him opportunities to show what he can do.

These two young players have looked good in their small opportunities so far this season and they look like potential pieces for the future of this defense. After the disappointment of the 2020 third-round picks it’s nice to see the 2021 third-rounders look like potential contributors.