Las Vegas Raiders pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction

Las Vegas Raiders roster projection: Defensive Line

(DE/OLB/DT) Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones, Clelin Ferrell, Jonhathan Hankins, Vernon Butler, Bilal Nichols, Matthew Butler, Neil Farrell, Kyle Peko, Malcolm Koonce, Kyler Fackrell, Kendal Vickers, Myron Tagovailoa, Tyler Lancaster, Tashawn Bower, Andrew Billings

This is the only true aspect of the Las Vegas Raiders defense where there is more than enough depth within the unit; the defensive line.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham won’t publicly settle on a scheme for the defense but it appears the base defense will likely be in a 3-4 format.

We already know that Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones, and the rookies Neil Farrell and Matthew Butler aren’t going anywhere but the rest are truly unknown.

Malcolm Koonce had a quiet rookie season but towards the end of the 2021 season, he displayed some flashes of potential to hopefully lead to a permanent rotational spot within the defensive line.

Johnathan Hankins will likely remain a fixture on the defensive line and free agent additions Kyle Peko and Bilal Nichols add some veteran depth to the line.

Kyler Fackrell, another intriguing veteran due to his versatility, has not accumulated much during his years within the league and may not make the 53.

The biggest question mark is the #4 overall pick from 2019, Clelin Ferrell, who has not produced at the rate expected of a 1st round/4th pick overall.

Ferrell’s contract is fully guaranteed but with the Raiders not signing Ferrell to his 5th-year option the experiment is all but over. Perhaps Dave Ziegler can find a trade partner…

Did you know the Raiders signed Tua Tagovailoa’s cousin Myron as a UDFA? I didn’t.