Analyzing the Raiders Defensive Ends entering the 2022 Offseason

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 10: Cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. #29, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue #91, inside linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski #44 and Cory Littleton #42, and defensive tackle Darius Philon #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders line up for a play against the Chicago Bears during their game at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bears defeated the Raiders 20-9. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Analyzing the Raiders Defensive Ends entering the 2022 Offseason

Yannick and Maxx

The Raiders enter the 2022 offseason returning all of their defensive ends from last season. Crosby and Ngakoue remain the headliners, but there continues to be intriguing depth. Crosby is the superstar on the team and is a franchise cornerstone, establishing himself after being a 4th round pick in 2019.

Crosby should flourish even more under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, a brilliant defensive mind who will deploy Crosby all over the field. Ngakoue’s role changes somewhat under Graham. Ngakoue previously had a significant relationship with former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, which likely led to his signing.

Even so, he should play another significant role this season after amassing ten sacks, his most since 2017, and providing juice to this defense. Graham notoriously likes to deploy big defensive ends but Ngakoue should continue to see plenty of time on passing downs in either a 4-3 or 3-4 front. Playing fewer run snaps and more pass snaps could also open up Ngakoue to be fresher late in games.

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