Oakland Raiders: Breaking down Armonty Bryant, Senquez Golson signings

The Oakland Raiders announced two signings that could potentially help the defense. Let’s take a look at defensive end Armonty Bryant and cornerback Senquez Golson.

The Oakland Raiders‘ busy offseason continues with two more free-agent signings for the defense. Defensive end Armonty Bryant and cornerback Senquez Golson will join the roster as low-risk acquisitions.

Neither player has the heavy expectations to start or produce a breakout season due to past hurdles. Both players missed the entire 2017 season for different reasons. Nonetheless, the Raiders will kick the tires and hope for rotational help from their most recent pickups.

We’ll break down each player’s path leading up to their signings with the Raiders.

Armonty Bryant

Bryant experienced a run-in with the law as a senior at East Central in Oklahoma. Unfortunately, the off-field troubles continued throughout his professional career. The league suspended him for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy in 2016 then substance abuse later in the same season and again for the same infraction last year.

The Detroit Lions decided to release Bryant after his last suspension. He worked out for the New York Jets, per ESPN’s Field Yates, but didn’t see the field in the previous term.

Heading into his age-28 season, the Raiders likely saw an opportunity to acquire a reserve pass-rusher on his last run to stay in the league. In 36 contests, Bryant accumulated 11.5 sacks. He racked up 5.5 during the 2015 campaign with the Browns.

There’s no denying Bryant’s talent, but he must change his off-field behavior to show the full extent of his capabilities. Assuming the 27-year old avoids another suspension, there’s a good possibility to leapfrog Shilique Calhoun as a situational pass-rusher.

Calhoun has struggled to adjust to the hybrid linebacker position. It’s an opportune time for Bryant to fill a void in a defense that needs to generate more pocket pressure.

Senquez Golson

The Raiders essentially acquired a rookie in Golson, who’s yet to play an NFL down. In three consecutive seasons, he’s suffered a season-ending injury. Here’s a track record since 2015:

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Golson in the second round of the 2015 draft. Head coach Mike Tomlin had high hopes for the Mississippi product after the first injury, per The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly:

Golson couldn’t shake the injury bug. The issue hamstring issue drained all hope in his projected impact on the defense. Subsequently, Pittsburgh released him last September. He spent time on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in November but didn’t see regular-season action.

There’s potential for redemption in Golson’s future. The Raiders stripped the cornerback position of proven veterans over the offseason. Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin will likely start on the perimeter. Nonetheless, there’s an opening in the slot.

At 5-9, it’s a role Golson hopes to fill. Though, after three years of inactivity, there’s a steep hill to climb. He’ll likely compete with Dexter McDonald, Antonio Hamilton and a couple of rookies for the spot through the preseason.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: 10 Big trades create chaos

Golson recorded 10 interceptions and seven passes defensed during his senior year at Ole Miss. Four years have passed, but his ball-tracking skills likely attracted head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Reggie McKenzie as a high-upside pickup who can bolster the secondary if healthy.