3. Interior Defensive Line
The Raiders defense has actually improved this season — most notably with its pass rush and secondary. Injuries have sidelined many of their top contributors, but the potential for next season is still apparent.
That said, one area that still remains a weakness is the team’s run defense.
While some of that is absolutely due to the team’s lackluster linebackers — we’ll get to that later — it’d be difficult to claim that the Raiders have gotten acceptable production out of their defensive linemen this season.
Maxx Crosbyhas been a revelation on the edge and evenClelin Ferrellhas had his moments after a rough start, but the Raiders still remain weak along the interior of their defensive line.
Maurice Hursthas seemingly taken a step back and neitherJohnathan HankinsorP.J. Hallhave done much of note this season. The Raiders could use an impact player patrolling the middle of the defense line and they might have the opportunity to snag such a player in the upcoming draft.
The consensus top interior defensive lineman is Auburn’sDerrick Brownwho surprisingly opted to return this season after being considered a near-universal first-round pick last year. But he will likely be out of Oakland’s draft range.
If not Brown, South Carolina’sJavon Kinlawrepresents an intriguing fit while other first-round targets could be Alabama’sRaekwon Davis, Flordia State’sMarvin Wilson, or even Oklahoma’sNeville Gallimore.
Either way, there should be options and don’t be surprised if the Raiders opt to target the position in the first round if the right player falls into their laps.
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