3. Defensive End Battle
The Raiders needed pass rush help entering the offseason — and they needed it badly. It’s been well-documented how historically inept the Raiders were at rushing the passer last year so we don’t need to rehash the exact specifics.
But they were bad. Very bad.
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The team drafted Clemson standoutClelin Ferrellwith their fourth overall selection to help fix this issue and he’s expected to be a Week 1 starter at defensive end. But the battle for the other end spot is just getting started and still remains wide open.
The incumbentArden Keyis perhaps the early favorite to earn the job but a disappointing rookie season left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths. However, the LSU product hasreportedly bulked up from his skinny frameand could use that extra muscle to help him secure the starting job.
VeteransJosh MauroandBenson Mayowawill also be competing for the job but don’t count out rookie fourth-round pickMaxx Crosbyeither. Crosby has reportedly impressed in early team workouts and a strong preseason could be enough to give the Raiders a pair of rookie starters at defensive end.
The wild card from an entertainment standpoint here is defensive line coachBrentson Bucknerwho isn’t exactly known for being a calm and mild-mannered coach. Expect this to be a focal point of the “Hard Knocks” series.
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