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Raiders: What to expect in Year 2 for the 2021 NFL Draft picks

By Brad Weiss

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders exits the fields after warming up ahead of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders exits the fields after warming up ahead of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Raiders: What to expect in Year 2 for the 2021 NFL Draft picks

Malcolm Koonce

Another exciting second-year defensive player for the Raiders is Malcolm Koonce, an edge rusher who could get a long look this summer. Koonce was a third-round pick of the Silver and Black last season, this after flashing as the best sack master the University of Buffalo had produced since Khalil Mack.

As a rookie, Koonce looked very good when he was on the field, and with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones in the fold this year, he will likely return to a depth role. However, with his size and speed coming off the edge, you have to think Patrick Graham is going to find some way to use him, especially in pass-rush situations.

Las Vegas has gotten pretty much nothing out of Clelin Ferrell in terms of pass rush, and in his short sample as a rookie, Koonce showed he should leapfrog him in that category. With this defense, he is going to get a chance to make an impact in Year 2, but once again, he will be more of a rotational player.

Projection: Depth Edge Rusher

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