Maxx Crosby can’t shoulder the underperforming Las Vegas Raiders defense alone, so they’ll be relying on Malcolm Koonce. But is he prepared for the challenge?
If the Raiders are serious about surviving the quarterback gauntlet of the AFC West—Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and now Bo Nix—they’ll need more than Crosby’s relentless motor. They’ll need a tag-team partner, not a tag-along. And right now, Koonce looks more like the latter.
Are expectations for Malcolm Koonce unrealistic?
Yes, Koonce is recovering from a torn ACL, and it’s unrealistic to expect him to perform like Von Miller as soon as he puts his pads back on. However, it’s important to acknowledge that when insiders characterize your training camp as “quiet,” it may not resonate with fans. No one has ever claimed, “We’re making a Super Bowl run because our pass rusher is quiet.” It might seem harsh, but the league operates as a business, and it’s all about what you’ve done for me lately.
The Athletic’s Tashan Reed and Ted Nguyen both pointed out the same issue: the burst isn’t there. Hand usage? Good. Technique? Solid. But without that explosive first step, Koonce is essentially trying to win a drag race on a scooter. In a division where quarterbacks transform broken plays into explosive touchdowns, Koonce’s performance falls short.
Koonce is currently on a one-year deal, which isn’t a firm commitment from the franchise; it’s more of a “let’s see if this works” arrangement. If Koonce fails to make an impact this season, the Raiders may find themselves back at the starting line, still seeking a player to complement Crosby and keep opposing defenses at bay.
Is Trey Hendrickson an option if you’re the Raiders?
So here’s where things become touchy. If Koonce isn’t quite ready yet, should Las Vegas consider seeking reinforcements? The speculation about Trey Hendrickson is quite reasonable. Although he may not be the most exciting player, he is reliable, disruptive, and has a proven track record. The primary reason for pursuing Hendrickson is the need for a reliable player. Before his injury, Koonce was trending toward that status. Perhaps he can resume his progress from where he stopped.
However, let’s engage in a hypothetical discussion.
We’ll assume, for argument’s sake, that the Bengals are reducing their asking price. It would be worthwhile for Pete Carroll and John Spytek to consider making a call. Relying on Koonce to become a game-changer right away feels like betting on a two-outer at the poker table—it’s a possibility, but the odds are not in favor.
The Raiders don’t need another “what if.” They require an additional pass rusher. While Koonce may develop into one eventually, relying on him for 2025 seems like a gamble.
Related: The Raiders Need To Pass On Anthony Richardson
*Top Photo: Getty Images