The Raiders didn’t do much to try to improve their pass rush this offseason. They didn’t draft a defensive lineman, but they did sign one big free-agent rusher; Maliek Collins of the Dallas Cowboys.
When Collins was in Dallas, he was one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the NFL. His ability to win one-on-one matchups in the passing game is what made him a favorite of defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.
The Raiders had high expectations for Collins entering the year as head coach Jon Gruden called him the “key to our defense” several times. Unfortunately, he has been anything but so far this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Collins is currently the lowest-graded defensive tackle in the entire NFL. His biggest problems have come in the run game as he is the site’s second-lowest graded run defender. But Collins has contributed much as a pass-rusher either, failing to record a single sack this season.
Collins signed a one-year, prove-it contract this offseason so the Raiders don’t have any long-term commitment to him. But they need their free-agent “prize” to start contributing. If nothing else, the Raiders should consider limiting his snaps in favor of Maurice Hurst, who has played extremely well when he’s been on the field.
It’s unfortunate, but Collins looks to be another free-agent bust by the Mike Mayock front office. He has five games to turn it around this season, but he certainly has underperformed his expectations in his first year with the Silver and Black.
