The Raiders have two fantastic defensive ends entering 2022 in Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue. Together, the duo racked up more pressures and quarterback hits than any other pairing in the NFL during the 2021 season. However, it’s time to get them some help this offseason.
In a recent article by ESPN’s Jeremey Fowler, he named 20 players who could be traded this offseason. One such player is former Michigan defensive end Chase Winovich, who has spent the last three seasons in New England.
Here is why Fowler believes Winovich would make a ton of sense for the Raiders via trade:
“Winovich was buried on the depth chart in Year 2, failing to crack 22 defensive snaps in any game and recording DNPs in December games. He gets knocked for his run defense but can be a situational pass-rusher somewhere. Perhaps new Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler — the Patriots’ de facto GM last year — will look into Winovich in exchange for a late-round pick. It’s possible Las Vegas switches from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive formation.”
Since being drafted in the third round by the Patriots, Winovich has totaled 11 sacks in three years. However, he did not record a sack during the 2021 season and played a total of just 113 defensive snaps.
Winovich wouldn’t be a starter in Las Vegas, but the Raiders could surely get him 20-25 snaps a game as a pass rusher. Clelin Ferrell has been a disappointment and Malcolm Koonce is still a very raw player. Winovich could give them more speed and athleticism on the edges and the front office/coaching staff knows him well.
The Raiders could probably acquire Winovich for a late Day 3 selection if the Patriots do trade him. This is one worth monitoring over the next few months considering who the new general manager is for the Raiders.
