The offseason is officially here. The Las Vegas Raiders finished 8-8 in 2020 after starting 6-3 for the second consecutive season and the defense has many holes to fill after giving up 30 points per game. In an effort to shake things up, they fired former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther midseason and hired Gus Bradley to take his place. Let’s take a look at three prospects the Raiders should be looking into, should they be available when it’s their turn to pick.
These 3 prospects could bolster the Raiders’ defense
1. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Christian Barmore is an all-around defensive tackle. He can stop the rush, but he can also rush the passer. Moreover, he’s quite versatile for someone who is 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds. The First-Team All-ACC had six sacks, three forced fumbles, and three passes defensed in 2020. He also has a high motor and would be perfect for the Raiders’ defense.
2. Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Nick Bolton is a freak of an athlete who had 95 total tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and five pass breakups last season. In 2019, he had 100 total tackles, one sack, two interceptions, one touchdown, and eight passes defensed. He would be a very solid addition to a depleted Raiders linebacker core.
3. Patrick Jones II, DE, Pitt
Patrick Jones would be a very nice compliment to Maxx Crosby. He has explosive speed and burst and is dangerously powerful. In 2020, he logged 44 total tackles, nine sacks, one fumble recovery, and three passes defensed. The year before, he registered 42 tackles, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one pass defended. The Raiders would be very wise to snag him if he’s still on the board when they pick.
The Raiders’ defense was very, very bad. There’s no secret about it. But if the Raiders can get any of these defensive prospects, it would be a great start to turning the defense around in 2021.
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