Shamrock Shakeup: Raiders Add Defensive Talent And Depth

Embed from Getty Images

After waiting through the first couple of days of free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to make bold moves. In their attempt to keep stride in the AFC West, the Raiders decided that their defense needed upgrades. Although this unit served as the catalyst for their 2021 playoff appearance, new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham wanted to craft his own unit. As a result, the Raiders braintrust decided to dismantle some of the Gruden/Mayock catastrophe to start its own legacy. After the previous administration botched draft picks and free agency like few ever, this feels like a measured approach.

Two For One

The team started Wednesday by inking defensive lineman Bilal Nichols, late of the Chicago Bears. Nichols displays the versatility that both Dave Ziegler and Patrick Graham covet. During his time in Chicago, Nichols would slide in as a nose, three-technique, and the occasional five-tech. As a result, he profiles as a chess piece, a three-down player that doesn’t become a liability versus the run or pass. Not to mention, Nichols’ aggressive, sure-tackling style will blend nicely within the fold. In 2069 NFL snaps, Powell only missed five tackles. With this in mind, after watching opponents thrive with little interior pressure to stop them, the Raiders spent good money on a player that will step in immediately.

Fair Market Price

Later in the day, the Raiders inked edge rusher, Chandler Jones, to a three-year deal. The 32-year-old arrives due to a three-year, 51-million dollar deal. Nothing earth-shattering will affect the market. Jones enters a scheme, that will favor his knack for blowing up plays in the backfield. Granted, we all know about the 107.5 career sacks since 2012, yet few discuss the 118 tackles for loss. Jones attacks the run with equal aplomb and doesn’t forget about playing wisely. Pairing him with Maxx Crosby gives the Raiders a COMPLETE set of starting ends that will fare well in the potent AFC. Now, the Nichols signing makes even more sense with Jones in Nevada. Both Crosby and Jones will scream off the edge and should see their share of favorable matchups, provided the interior does their job and collapses the pocket.

Around FPC

NFL RUMORS: NFL Rumors: Amari Cooper, Von Miller, and Tyrann Mathieu

NFL NEWS: The Wild West: Russell Wilson Trade Reshapes AFC West

DRAFT: NFL Draft Profile: Linebacker Nakobe Dean

NFL DRAFT: 2022 NFL Draft Profile: OL Ikem Ekwonu

NHL: NHL Insights: Tyler Toffoli Trade, Jack Eichel’s Return and Wild West

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 34: Russell Wilson Traded To Broncos; Aaron Rodgers Stays In Green Bay

Ready To Rock

In the midst of a flurry of moves, Las Vegas traded DE Yannick Ngakoue to the Indianapolis Colts for Rock Ya-Sin. This speaks volumes about what the team thought about Ya-Sin. Patrick Graham prizes physical corners that are unafraid to mix it up. The former Georgia high school wrestling champion brings a blend of competitiveness. While not a ballhawk, Ya-Sin’s ability to cover and tackle appealed to the Raiders. In 2021, opposing quarterbacks only completed 53 percent of their passes. In the world of the 4-2-5, having a defensive back that can make the solo stop becomes of utmost importance.

The Goodbye

Trading for Ya-Sin came with a price. Sending Ngakoue to the Colts straight up, signaled a difference, a departure in thought. Last year, Ngakoue tallied ten sacks and two forced fumbles during his stay in Vegas. For as much as he terrorized quarterbacks, he disappeared versus the run. Opponents allowed him to veer wide and no one filled that vacancy. To his credit, Ngakoue demonstrated fire and energy that permeated the defense. His enthusiasm for this team during a dark point in the season should never go unnoticed or appreciated.

New Dawn

When the Raiders step onto the field this fall, they will boast two elite pass rushers on the edges, and an inside presence that forces offenses to adjust and compensate. Patrick Graham wants to establish his scheme, culture, and presence on that side of the ball. Consequently, the team will reflect his vision. To their credit, regardless of previous regimes, Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels walked in the door, trying to shape the organization to what they wanted. The team also signed Anthony Averett late in the day to make that cornerback room filled with competition. This isn’t the recent regime, bringing in mostly fringe free agents.