Raiders Add Pass-Rush Help, Draft Malcolm Koonce 79th Overall

After adding offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. They traded up to draft Trevon Moehrig in the second round and took Malcolm Koonce with their first third-round selection.

The Raiders’ defense looks better after the additions they made on Day 2 of the draft. While their safety room will welcome Moehrig, their pass rush got an infusion of talent. A two-year starter at Buffalo, Koonce will become a situational rusher in Sin City. He doesn’t have the ideal size and length to play the position in the NFL. However, he has quick acceleration and knows how to get offensive lines off him.

Heading into the NFL, Koonce is raw and needs to work on his technique. Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli will have to work his magic and get the most out of him. If the New York native can make the transition to the pros, he will be a solid situational pass rusher in the Raiders’ defensive front. He doesn’t have to start right off the bat just make the most of his snaps. Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby are the projected starters, and Koonce would be a solid complementary contributor.