Raiders: Pass rush will improve, and not just because of Crosby and Jones

The Las Vegas Raiders should be able to get a great pass rush this upcoming season, and not only because of the duo of Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones.

Before 2021, the Raiders had a questionable edge rush for many recent seasons. Aside from the 2016/2017 duo of Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, the Raiders did not have a consistent edge rush.

That changed in 2021 when Maxx Crosby broke out into being a superstar and was paired with top-level edge threat Yannick Ngakoue. The Raiders were constantly flying off the edge and wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

However, to truly be a top-level edge pass rush team, there need to be waves. Waves of edge rushers keep the stars fresh for the fourth quarter while not sacrificing anything throughout the game.

In 2021, Carl Nassib and Clelin Ferrell were underwhelming as the second wave. Nassib proved to be a bust free agent signing in his two seasons in Las Vegas, while Ferrell simply proved that he is not a quality edge rusher.

On the other hand, 3rd-round pick Malcolm Koonce flashed in the few moments he was given a chance and should have a larger role this season.