Analyzing the Raiders Defensive Ends entering the 2022 Offseason

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 21: Malcolm Koonce #51 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates a tackle against the Los Angeles Rams during a preseason NFL game in the second half at SoFi Stadium on August 21, 2021, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Analyzing the Raiders Defensive Ends entering the 2022 Offseason

Rise of Malcolm Koonce in 2022?

A potential Nassib departure likely opens up the door for an increased role for 2021 3rd round pick Malcolm Koonce.

Koonce spent much of the year inactive but with Nassib hurt, Koonce played in five games and registered two sacks in his first two games. Koonce has more sacks than both Ferrell and Nassib and showed great bend and a relentless motor.

Koonce needs to have a bigger role next season as a situational pass rusher. Having practiced some at linebacker, Koonce will be deployed in a variety of ways under Graham. Patrick Graham is a major addition to this unit because his defensive line has notoriously flourished under him. The only other returning defensive end is practice squander Gerri Green who returns on a reserve/futures contract.

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