Malcolm Koonce began to shine his lightly brightly last season, becoming a key contributor for the Raiders defense.
After spending his first two seasons as a rotational edge rusher, he broke out in 2023 as a starter opposite of Defensive Player of the Year finalist Maxx Crosby. Koonce set career-highs in nearly every defensive category, including sacks (eight), tackles for loss (nine) and forced fumbles (three).
"It's him making the decision to practice the right way, get better, to improve, put in the necessary work, that's just what it comes down to in professional football," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said about Koonce. "Guys making the decision to improve and then me trying to stay out of the way and not mess them up. I couldn't be more proud of that guy."
Koonce's breakout season didn't go entirely under the radar, as Around the NFL writer Kevin Patra named the third-year player as an "unsung hero" of the 2023 season.
"Used sparingly in his first two years, Koonce was stuck in a rotation early in the season, but the Raiders finally gave him more snaps down the stretch, and Koonce blasted off," wrote Patra. "He racked up 8.0 sacks, all coming after Antonio Pierce took over as interim head coach in Week 9. He also added 36 pressures in that span, giving him 51 on the season, and he finished second on the team in both categories, behind Crosby. For his career entering 2023, the former third-round pick had generated nine total pressures. ... Now it's on Koonce to prove the impressive end-of-the-season run was not a blip on the radar."
Take a look back at part two of the best game action photos from the Raiders' 2023 season.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) calls out the defense during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) pumps the crowd up during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) celebrates on the field during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 40-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after making a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) celebrates tight end Michael Mayer's (87) 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates a first down during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) celebrates after making an interception during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) warming up before the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69), defensive tackle John Jenkins (95), linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and punter AJ Cole (6) during the coin toss before the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 46-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a 46-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) celebrates after forcing a fumble during the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) on the field during the regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives to the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) arrives to the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) signs autographs for fans before the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) warming up before the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Justin Herron (71) warming up before the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) warming up before the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after making a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) defends during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) celebrates after forcing a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) forces a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) after rushing for a 26-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) passes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) recovers a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) recovers a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) celebrates with cornerback Jack Jones (18) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) after recovering a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) celebrates after returning an interception for a 16-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's (98) locker in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) forces a fumble during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) recovers a fumble for an 8-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) celebrates after making a first down during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) warming up before the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) warming up before the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) on the bench before the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) arrives to the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce and Interim General Manager Champ Kelly arrive to the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) arrives to the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) warming up before the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defensive linemen huddle before the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) eyes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) receives the snap during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) exits the field after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) exits the field after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
