The Las Vegas Raiders added some quality depth to their defensive line today by way of All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, Gerald McCoy.
The Silver and Black’s defensive line is one of the more crowded units right now in training camp. Solomon Thomas was initially brought in to help shore up the interior this offseason. Now, it appears he’s competing for snaps outside on the edges alongside Clelin Ferrell and Carl Nassib. Also, the team parted ways with a fan favorite in Maurice Hurst Jr. The team also added Quinton Jefferson in free agency and brought back Johnathan Hankins. Nevertheless, the Raiders have brought in McCoy to help fortify the inside.
#Raiders signed DT Gerald McCoy.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 5, 2021
What does McCoy bring to the Raiders?
As the third overall selection during the 2010 NFL draft, McCoy has been anything but a disappointment. As a Tampa Bay Buccaneer for his whole career, minus the 2019 season which was spent with the Carolina Panthers, McCoy has been a force to be reckoned with.
Considering how important interior pressure is going to be in Gus Bradley’s front four, McCoy will help in that department. From 2017-19, he accumulated 17 sacks as a defensive tackle, along with 26 tackles for a loss. It should be noted that despite being 33 years old, he played in all 16 regular-season games for the Panthers in 2019. Speaking of 2019, McCoy was a force in the pass rush in Carolina; he totaled 22 pressures. Only Maxx Crosby had more than that last year for the Raiders with 32.
Assuming that McCoy has recovered from his ruptured quadriceps injury, he could end up having an impact on Bradley’s defense. While the addition is a solid one, it does beg the question if moving on from Hurst was somewhat premature. However, comparing the two side-by-side, McCoy’s accolades are on another planet compared to Hurst. Again, if healthy, McCoy is easily the best proven interior defender on this roster. The Raiders desperately needed a defensive tackle that could disrupt the pass, now they have one.
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