Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Levi Damien

What condition the position is in: Assessing Raiders level of need at EDGE ahead of free agency

We take a look at edge rusher for the Raiders ahead of free agency to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.

Starters: Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones

Depth: Malcolm Koonce
Free agents: Clelin Ferrell, Tashawn Bower, Jordan Jenkins, Isaac Rochell

Crosby was elite all season. One of the the best defenders in the league. He topped the NFL in tackles for loss. That’s not just at his position. His 22 tackles for loss was best at any position. He also topped all edge rushers in run stops and was second in the league in QB hits (35) behind only Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. Crosby had 12.5 sacks.

Jones took some time to find his way, but late in the season was playing well, finishing with 15 QB hits and 4.5 sacks. We’ll see if the 33-year-old can keep up that level of play from the start of next season.

Koonce is the only depth returning and he hasn’t been great when he’s been given a chance to step up.

Condition: Stable

Why: One elite starter, another formerly elite starter who still seems to have something left in the tank. Depth is a concern and is needed with Jones entering his twilight years.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.