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

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

Addition of Chandler Jones

Chandler Jones alone should be able to elevate the Raiders’ pass rush. Jones is a better pure pass rusher than Ngakoue and his ability to affect the run game is important to this team. Crosby should continue to elevate with more solid players around him.

Jones is one of the top pass rushers of the last decade, while Crosby was the best pass rusher in 2021. These two have high motors and should be able to carry a heavy load, however, the Raiders now have options.

The Raiders seem inclined to play Ferrell more on the inside in 2022 to make up for his lack of bend and athleticism and take advantage of his bigger frame. With him shifting to a 3-4 defensive end more, it opens up a great opportunity for Malcolm Koonce.

Koonce shined in a few games when Nassib was hurt last season, picking up a few sacks and showing tremendous bend. Nassib was the better run defender, which gave him more run, much like Ferrell, but Koonce will be asked to rush the passer more this season.

Koonce should benefit greatly from a full offseason in the NFL and could prove to be a very valuable chess piece for Partick Graham in 2022.