If there's one area of the Las Vegas Raiders' 2024 roster that is unquestionably rock-solid, it's the defensive line, which figures to be the team's strength this coming season.
Maxx Crosby was typically the lone bright spot for a few years, but Malcolm Koonce stepped up to complement him in 2023 with a breakout campaign. In 2024, Las Vegas made a huge (literally and figuratively) addition in Christian Wilkins to shore up the middle, and Tyree Wilson came on strong at the end of last season.
So, when Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson released his defensive line rankings ahead of the 2024 campaign, we were interested to see where he put the Raiders. We were content to see Monson placed the Raiders' unit at No. 9 on the list, but the group could've been higher. First, Monson's thoughts:
The Raiders are another team that found its superstar a while ago and has been slow to build around them. Maxx Crosby has been one of the best in football and now has help around him for the first time. Christian Wilkins was the team’s big offseason addition (literally and figuratively), while edge rusher Malcolm Koonce was so impressive last season that he may insure against Tyree Wilson if he doesn’t develop in year two.
This is the most formidable Raiders defensive line in a while.
A few of the teams ahead of the Raiders in Monson's rankings are maybe two deep in terms of true impact players. Las Vegas, on the other hand, is three deep, and quite possibly four if Wilson emerges in his second season. That fact should have Las Vegas landing at least a few spots higher.
Whatever the case may be, this Raiders defensive line is going to be fun to watch in 2024 and will undoubtedly play a huge role in what should be a very good defense.
