Oakland Raiders: Keeping tabs on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah

The Oakland Raiders have one defensive end on the roster. Although Ezekiel Ansah has injury concerns, he’s worth a look if his medicals check out in April.

The Oakland Raiders have one defensive end on the roster, which is alarming for a team that logged 13 sacks last year. There’s still a possible silver lining available on the free-agent market. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, defensive end Ezekiel Ansah may not sign with a team until mid-April:

Ansah underwent offseason shoulder surgery, and it’s not the first procedure on that part of his body. According to ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein, he needed to address similar ailments in previous seasons. “He had offseason shoulder surgery in 2014 and a torn biceps as well. Last season he dealt with ankle, knee and shoulder injuries.”

He’ll turn 30 years old in May, but his injury history could drop his asking price at the negotiating table. Ansah’s follow-up appointment will also play a huge factor in market interest.

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Right now, the Raiders need someone with a pulse opposite Arden Key, the lone defensive end on the roster. According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Scott Bair, the front office had interest in Markus Golden before he signed with the New York Giants.

The absence of talent at defensive end puts the Raiders in a tight spot going into the draft. General manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden would likely target multiple prospects at the position to fill a major void on the front line.

Oakland doesn’t need a star pass-rusher on the end. The defense would benefit with a veteran who has some juice left and gracious enough to teach younger talents the professional game. The Raiders signed Justin Tuck for a similar role during the 2014 offseason.

When Tuck arrived in Oakland, he was 31 years old and the Raiders selected Khalil Mack fifth overall in the ensuing draft. Overall, the former Giants pass-rusher recorded six sacks in two terms with the Silver and Black. In his first year, he played just 57.45 percent of the defensive snaps then suffered a torn pectoral in the following campaign.

Tuck didn’t provide the Raiders with much production, but his veteran presence played well in the locker room. Strangely, he said something five years ago that still applies to the team in 2019.

“We’ve got to exorcise some demons that have been here, some thought processes of some guys that are used to having 4-12 seasons,” he said to Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News. “The mindset has to change. I hear all the things people say, and I’m in the business of proving people wrong.”

The Raiders are coming off a 4-12 season again. It’s a bad cycle, but the franchise needs another culture shift. The 2019 draft class will feature talented edge-rushers, but the locker room needs a veteran at the position.

Back in Tampa Bay, Gruden’s defenses had veterans like Greg Spires and Simeon Rice, who played for the Buccaneers into their age-30 years. Both pass-rushers experienced a dip in production, but they had a grasp of the position with the ability to pass knowledge to younger talent on the roster.

Going into his age-30 season, Ansah may still have enough gas to wreak havoc on offensive lines if he stays healthy. He’s two years removed from a 12-sack season.