Now that the Las Vegas Raiders have hired a new defensive coordinator, they have to address their feeble pass rush. EDGE Haason Reddick could be of use in that department.
While there were a few positives along the defensive line in 2020, most notably Clelin Ferrell’s progression, there wasn’t much to be proud of. No one on the Raiders came close to sniffing double-digit sacks in 2020; Maxx Crosby was the closest one with seven. This type of sack production will need to increase in 2021, whether the team blitzes more or not.
The Silver and Black could feasibly go into the 2021 season with Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinley along with Crosby and Ferrell. This could very well negate the need to draft an EDGE rusher this coming April as well. Given the Raiders history of veteran usage, Haason Reddick could be an option for them.
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What could Reddick provide the Raiders with?
Considering that Reddick had 15 tackles for a loss in 2020, more than any Raiders player, there’s a lot he can do. Like most upper or mid-tier free agents, the question will be the money. Pro Football Focus predicts Reddick could sign for a one year deal that would be worth around $8.5 million guaranteed. Depending on what happens financially for the Raiders, Reddick could be worth the investment.
While Reddick’s listed officially as an outside linebacker, make no mistake, his strength is pass rush. With a PFF pass-rush grade of 82.6, Reddick would be a massive improvement over say, Carl Nassib. The conundrum with free agents such as Reddick is whether his production was a flash in the pan or a legitimate upside.
Once the Arizona Cardinals moved him to EDGE, he truly shined, recording 10 pressures against the Philadelphia Eagles. Along with those pressures, PFF added Reddick had an eye-popping five sacks in that run. Would that type of production off the edges be worth the gamble? What are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Let us know down below.
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*Top Photo: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports