For the first time since trading away Khalil Mack in 2018, the Raiders finally have a bonafide pass-rush star on their roster. The team added veteran Yannick Ngakoue via free agency this offseason, which should prove to be a massive upgrade.
In fact, that move was arguably one of the best signings of free agency. According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, the addition of Ngakoue to replace Arden Key was named one of the biggest upgrades in the NFL this offseason. Here is a snippet of Clay’s thoughts on the signing:
“Ngakoue is a huge addition for a Raiders defense that ranked 29th in sacks last season and hasn’t ranked better than 24th in the category since 2015. Las Vegas now has plenty of potential in the sack department, with Ngakoue joining youngsters Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell and Malcolm Koonce on the edge.”
Ngakoue, with the help of Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell, should help turn around a defensive line that has to get better in 2021. If he can continue to produce between 8-10 sacks a year, he will easily be worth his massive contract that he signed this offseason.
Look for Ngakoue to really improve and help turn around the defense this season.
