MORE POSITION REVIEWS: Quarterbacks, Safeties, Running Backs, Linebackers, Offensive Line
From one group of big fellas to the next, we're transitioning from the offensive line to the defensive line in our next edition of our 2019 Position Reviews.
Statistically, the defensive line took a big step forward over the past year – similar to the offensive line – and it's reflected in the numbers. There was growth all across the board and we'll get into that and more below; let's dive in.
Overview:
Following the conclusion of the 2018 season, the Raiders recognized the glaring need on their team and improving the defensive front was going to be key in 2019.
The unit finished 2018 with 13 sacks, ranking last in the NFL, and stopping the run was just as challenging also, so the team approached free agency eager to add some key pieces to the unit, particularly considering they had one of the largest cap budgets to start 2019. However, much of that money ended up being allocated to Trent Brown and the other Brown – he who shall not be named.
The Silver and Black signed defensive ends Josh Mauro and Benson Mayowa, but didn't make any "big-name" free agent splashes along the defensive line (despite guys like Trey Flowers, Ziggy Ansah, and Dee Ford being on the market). While many fans and analysts scratched their heads, Head Coach Jon Gruden and General Manager Mike Mayock had a plan.
Once the big free agency surge was in the rearview mirror, all eyes shifted toward the 2019 NFL Draft, where the Raiders had no shortage of draft picks. The 2019 rookie class was loaded with defensive linemen and the Raiders knew they could capitalize on that. First, the team took the best well-rounded defensive lineman in Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 overall and then they added the biggest steal of the draft in Maxx Crosby in the fourth round (No. 106 overall). In the spirit of full transparency, I knew nothing about "Mad Maxx" prior to the Raiders selecting him, and my expectations for him were low, but I've learned two things in the past nine months: never doubt Mike Mayock and Crosby is a baller.
With their new pieces in place, the Raiders were prepared to embark on a new journey in 2019 and leave all the negativity from the previous season in the past. It didn't take long for the unit to get going and Mayowa jumped out with an early four-and-a-half sacks over the first four games. He was a bright spot that flew under the radar for much of the year, finishing with seven sacks, but the real story was the production from the rookies.
Ferrell and Crosby combined for 14.5 sacks this season and their pursuit of the quarterback and ball carrier was impressive. They stayed active in the trenches, batting down passes, and bringing relentless effort on every snap. The team finished with 32 sacks, a drastic improvement from the year before, and they finished as the eighth best defense against the run, allowing 98.1 yards per game.
Overall, this unit exceeded expectations and the future is bright for the talented young core.
Number to Know:
Forty-six.
I know Coach Gruden will love the point I'm about to make. People get too hung up on sack totals; yes, they're important, but they aren't the defining measure of a player's success.
Crosby and Ferrell combined for 46 pressures this season and were constantly disrupting quarterbacks in the pocket. Forcing signal callers to feel uncomfortable will only lead to mistakes on their end, and it shows that the duo of "Salt-N-Pepa" are making an impact on the game.
Entering 2020…
Dion Jordan – Unrestricted Free Agent
Josh Mauro – Unrestricted Free Agent
Benson Mayowa – Unrestricted Free Agent
Olsen Pierre – Unrestricted Free Agent
Maxx Crosby – Under Contract
Clelin Ferrell – Under Contract
P.J. Hall – Under Contract
Johnathan Hankins – Under Contract
Maurice Hurst – Under Contract
Arden Key – Under Contract
The Raiders have a budding young group of defensive linemen ready to take the reins going forward, but establishing veteran talent around them will surely be a priority once again in free agency this year. Mayowa, Mauro, and Hankins were all solid pieces that complemented the rookies and second-year players, but I wonder if Gruden and Mayock will try to get another premier talent in the mix.
Some of this year's top free agents are Jadeveon Clowney, Chris Jones, and Yannick Ngakoue (who is accustomed to a 4-3 defense, which is what Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther runs). We know the Raiders also need a versatile linebacker who can rush the passer, so I'm curious if guys like Dante Fowler Jr, Shaq Barrett, and Bud Dupree will be on the Raiders' short list of players they want to target.
Position Group MVP:
No one made a bigger impact all year than rookie defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Whether it was the first snap of the game or the last snap, Crosby played like he was shot out of a cannon. The former Eastern Michigan Eagle played all 16 games this year and started in 10 after finally getting comfortable with the speed of the game. He registered the second-most sacks by a rookie this season with 10, added four passes defensed and four forced fumbles, and finished with 46 tackles to his name.
The Raiders got a hell of a bargain in Crosby considering where he was selected. It's ridiculous that he isn't being mentioned in the Defensive Rookie of the Year debate more, but it'll only add to the chip on his shoulder. This young stud will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Take a look at the best gameday entertainment moments from the Raiders' 2019 season.
Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) signs autographs for fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Bay Area All-Stars Scholarship Team recipients are honored on the field before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Grandson of Raiders legend Tom Flores, Brian Flores, performs the national anthem before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders alumnus Cotton Davidson signs the Al Davis torch before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) with fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) with fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders fans during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders fans hold up signs before the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
A view of IG Field, the stadium for the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at IG Field.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87), quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) and long snapper Trent Sieg (47) stand on the sideline during the national anthem before the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
In honor of the Raiders' 60th season, alumni George Atkinson, Mark van Eeghen, Jim Plunkett, Steve Wisniewski, Lincoln Kennedy, and Marcel Reece are honored on the field before the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
A Raiders fan during the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at IG Field.
Mother of Raiders legend Marshawn Lynch, Delisa Lynch, before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders fan and comedian George Lopez signs autographs for fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Celebrity chef and Raiders fan Guy Fieri before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Raiders Hall of Famer Jim Otto and alumnus Mike Davis before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Raiders alumni Cedrick Hardman remembered on the field with families during an In Memoriam ceremony before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) is introduced onto the field before their regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders legend Tom Flores and Hall of Famer Jim Otto on the field with families during an In Memoriam ceremony before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
The Beagle Air Force before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
The American flag at the stadium before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Culture Shock Dance Team during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) enters the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) exiting the field aftert the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) exiting the field after the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) signs autographs for fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders safety Karl Joseph (42) signs autographs for fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Frog-X Parachute team parachutes into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders alumni Daryle Lamonica and Lincoln Kennedy on the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas Chiefs.
Frog-X Parachute team parachutes into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff and sideline announcer Chris Townsend on the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas Chiefs.
Frog-X Parachute team members stand on the field after parachuting into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The American flag is displayed by season ticket members on the field during the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders defensive end Josh Mauro (97) is introduced onto the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders alumnus John Vella signs the Al Davis torch before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders fans during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Army versus Navy Rivalry Skills Challenge during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Army versus Navy Rivalry Skills Challenge during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders fans during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Singer Tinashe performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Fans in the Welcome Zone before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Fans outside of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
The British and American flag is displayed on the field during the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
The UC Davis Marching Band performs before the Raiders regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is introduced onto the field before the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Singer Dinah Jane performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) leaps into the stands after a 3-yard touchdown run during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden celebrates with fans after the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) celebrates with fans after the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Fans attend tailgating festivities before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Fans attend tailgating festivities before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) signs autographs for fans before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) plays catch with fans before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) is introduced onto the field before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Singer Montell Jordan performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco performs a flyover before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and center Rodney Hudson (61) during the coin toss before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumni Marcel Reece jumps in to The Black Hole before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumnus Matt Millen lights the Al Davis torch before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumnus Lester Hayes signs autographs for fans during halftime at the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumnus Rod Martin signs autographs for fans during halftime at the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) on the field after the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Frog-X Parachute Team parachutes into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) is introduced onto the field before the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Travis Air Force Base band, Air Mobility, perform during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
A member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve watches as a Raiders fan makes a toy donation for their Toys for Tots program before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) signs autographs for fans before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tackle David Sharpe (72) warming up in custom cleats for the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) is introduced onto the field before their regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) is introduced onto the field before their regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Singer Arlissa performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during the national anthem before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Henry Lawrence and Big City Revue perform during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Henry Lawrence and Big City Revue perform during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders alumnus, Kenny Shedd, two civilians and Sgt. Morgan are honored as Hometown Heroes during the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders alumnus Charles Woodson speaks on behalf of other alumni standing with him on the field in celebration of the Raiders' 60th celebration during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead is awarded the nomination as the Raiders' Walter Payton Man of the Award on the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders alumnus Jim Otto knowledges the fans after reciting the last four lines of "The Autumn Wind" before the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders alumnus Charles Woodson lights the Al Davis torch before the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Singer Judith Hill performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) embraces a fan after the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) high fives fans after the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) gives his jersey to a fan after the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
