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Raiders: Grading the defensive position groups entering the 2022 offseason

By Brad Weiss

Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 06: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after getting a sack in the second quarter of the game against the NFC during the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on February 06, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 06: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after getting a sack in the second quarter of the game against the NFC during the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on February 06, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Raiders: Grading the defensive position groups entering the 2022 offseason

Defensive Ends

When it comes to the defensive end position, the Raiders have an elite combo in Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, giving them bookends along the defensive line. Patrick Graham has long loved to run 3-4 defenses, so having a tandem like these two players is going to go a long way in him doing what he wants to do on that side of the ball.

Behind them, is another story, as Carl Nassib may be gone due to his contract, and Clelin Ferrell is more of an interior lineman at this point. Malcolm Koonce is a name to keep an eye on in his second year, especially if he showed the kind of burst we got to see in flashes last season.

The truth is, Ngakoue and Crosby are stars, and Crosby should be a cornerstone player who plays his entire career in the Silver and Black. They have to be around for the long haul, and if Koonce can step up in a big way this season, the rotation on the edge is deep.

Grade: A

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