If Tyree Wilson, the 2023 first-round selection, can make a breakthrough, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line should be a significant asset for the team in 2024. Malcolm Koonce had a breakthrough season and Maxx Crosby is an All-Pro, but if Wilson doesn’t get better, the defensive depth beyond them is somewhat limited.
One guy in free agency would make sense if the Raiders believe they need additional depth. Yannick Ngakoue, a defensive end, was a member of the club in 2021 and led it with 10.0 sacks. He shouldn’t be too expensive, and he isn’t signed yet. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks the Raiders ought to sign Ngakoue.
In a post published on May 6, Knox stated, “It would make plenty of sense to bring back Yannick Ngakoue, who was on the roster in 2021.” “The 29-year-old was productive in nearly every other destination, despite only having four sacks with the Chicago Bears in 2023. In his one season in Las Vegas, he recorded 10 sacks; the following year, he had 9.5 with the Indianapolis Colts.
Although Ngakoue is not always the best run defender, he is still one of the best when it comes to making situational sacks. He would add more seasoned experience to the Raiders’ roster, as he is already acquainted with some of their players.
Does Yannick Ngakoue still fit in with the Raiders in Las Vegas?
Ngakoue isn’t a particularly good run defender. At 6-foot-2 and 246 pounds, he may be a little small, but he has shown himself to be a reliable pass rusher. It was the first time in his career that he did not record at least 8.0 sacks in a season during his stint with the Chicago Bears last season.
Given that Ngakoue is only 29, there ought to be some remaining energy. He is a great fit for the Raiders as a situational pass rusher. Crosby, Koonce, Wilson, and Ngakoue would all be excellent pass rushers to have at quarterbacks.
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