The Las Vegas Raiders could continue adding to their defensive line during Day 2 of the NFL draft. Iowa’s Chauncey Golston could aid the pass rush if available in the second or third round.
Adding more pass rush is something the Raiders could end up doing despite the team’s free-agent acquisitions. Acquiring Yannick Ngakoue was indeed huge, however, more depth never hurts. Suffice to say that Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell will be expected to deliver with an upper-tier pass rusher commanding extra offensive attention. Regardless, adding youth and speed will only help first-year defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. If Golston’s available in the second, possibly third round, it’d be in the organization’s interest to take a look.
In four years at Iowa, Golston accumulated a total of 12 sacks, 27 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries. He was also a disruptive force in defending the pass, totaling three interceptions and seven interceptions. Golston was ranked second in the Big Ten for the 2020 season in sacks with five and a half. In addition, he was eighth in tackles for a loss in his conference last year with nine.
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What else can Golston bring to the Raiders?
First and foremost, Las Vegas would be adding versatility if they land Golston. Considering Bradley’s system, that versatility will pay dividends and under the coach’s tutelage, Golston could turn into something special. At Iowa, he played all over the defensive line; both ends and in the interior. At six-foot-five and 260 pounds, Golston has the size and speed to match his frame. With the Raiders, the staff can decide to mold him into what they chose. He could focus on becoming a traditional rushing EDGE or bulk up and rush the quarterback from the inside.
The sky’s the limit for Golston who would present tremendous value on Day 2. What are your thoughts, Raider Nation?
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