The Las Vegas Raiders have struggled with multiple things over the years, many dating back to when they played in Oakland. A large amount of those struggles have been on the defensive side of the ball, too.
Prior to the team’s 2021 campaign, the Silver and Black went 10 straight seasons finishing top-16 via most yards surrendered league-wide. Five-of-10 seasons during this timespan resulted in a top-10 placement for the Raiders, even.
For the most part, yards have come easy against the Raiders in recent years.
Looking at the defense this upcoming season, there are a few names that stand out; yet, there really isn’t a player that’s ever come close to claiming the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Is there any chance that one of Sin City’s defenders will make a run at the award this year? Let’s take a look.
Las Vegas Raiders: Searching for Defensive Player of the Year candidates
Other than the one name everyone is thinking of, a few additional candidates come to mind. One of those is veteran defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Wilkins had been enjoying a decent start to his Raiders tenure until suffering a foot injury in Week 5 this past season, which sidelined him for the remainder of his ’24 campaign. We’ll have to see how the former first-rounder’s second season in Las Vegas goes, but he figures to get better looks inside with Maxx Crosby taking attention on the edge.
Now, there isn’t enough talent on the Raiders’ defense to have several over-qualified options in this category. With that said, Jakorian Bennett‘s name does float to mind as another player who could make a huge impact.
In his second NFL season, Bennett looked simply fantastic. However, like many Raiders defenders last year, he had his time cut short due to injuries. If the 24-year-old can build off last season’s success during his ’25 campaign, Bennett could legitimately become one of the best cornerbacks in the National Football League.
Aside from the two aforementioned names, it’s hard to think of any defenders who have a realistic shot at the award. Some new additions, including Jeremy Chinn, Elandon Roberts and Germaine Pratt, are all players the Raiders hope can make a notable impact this year.
However, expecting any of the newcomers to put up a fight in winning this award feels unrealistic.
The one name everyone is thinking of
If there’s any Raiders defender with a chance of actually taking home the Defensive Player of the Year Award, it’s Maxx Crosby. Since being drafted, Crosby has essentially been the best defender on his team each season.
For the Raiders’ sake, they’ll hope Crosby gets more help around him in 2025. The multi-time All-Pro should get assistance up the middle, at least.
‘Mad Maxx’ had a brief stint playing alongside Wilkins last season. If the two get more time on the field together this year, perhaps magic can happen when going after opposing quarterbacks.
The entire defense needs it.
Unfortunately, Wilkins has remained sidelined throughout the team’s offseason program. That doesn’t mean he’ll be unable to suit up, although it is a cause for concern.
On the other side of the defensive line, another familiar name finds himself recovering from a season-ending injury. That’s edge rusher Malcolm Koonce.
Koonce had a lot of hype heading into the 2024 season, but unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury just before Week 1 came around. His last time healthy, Koonce had an excellent end to the 2023 season. If he can carry that level of play into this year, the Raiders will be in good shape at edge, taking extra attention away from Crosby.
Or, benefitting from the attention Crosby commands.
While others aren’t known for rushing the passer, there’s more help around the roster benefiting Crosby as well. Las Vegas’ former Defensive Player of the Year candidate has two run-stoppers behind him in Germaine Pratt and Elandon Roberts.
There’s also versatile safety Jeremy Chinn, who was brought in during this year’s free agency period.
All things considered, if there’s any Las Vegas Raiders defender that has a realistic shot to win the award, it’s Maxx Crosby. And if there’s any year he’s going to do it, it could be this year, considering the help around him.
*Top Photo: Associated Press /Rick Scuteri
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