Raiders: How the Defensive Line rotation could play out in 2022

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 24: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Johnathan Hankins #90 react to watching a review of a play during the first half in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium on October 24, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images) /

Raiders: How the Defensive Line rotation could play out in 2022

Roster Predictions

There are a few guaranteed spots on the Raiders roster already. Star pass rushers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones can be locked in as cornerstone players on the team. Nichols likely joins them with a sizable contract he received in free agency. Ferrell likely has his spot guaranteed due to his astronomical $10 million cap hit this season, plus his versatility.

Ferrell Jr. and Hankins likely round out that group, therefore about 4 or 5 spots are remaining.

Koonce, Fackrell, Butler, Butler, Peko, Billings, Lannister, Vickers, Green, Bowers, and then undrafted rookies will be battling for those spots. Matthew Butler, Koonce, Fackrell, Billings, and Vernon Butler are the favorites now to round out this group.

Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby becomes the leader of the defense

The Las Vegas Raiders have a budding superstar in Maxx Crosby, who has become the vocal leader on the defensive side of the ball.

However, Billings and Butler are firmly on the edge of the roster and if Peko and Vickers can push those players, it will make the entire team better. The new regime has no allegiance to Koonce, but his clear talent should solidify his role. In all likelihood, the Raiders make another interior addition to really amplify this group.

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