The Las Vegas Raiders were searching for another defensive end to be productive on the opposite end of star defensive lineman Maxx Crosby.
The Raiders had used the draft and free agency to solidify the spot but had been unsuccessful in finding a long-term, dependable option for various reasons.
This season, however, the Raiders seemed to find the player to complement Crosby's production, as veteran defensive end Malcolm Koonce had a breakout season.
In his third season in Las Vegas, Koonce registered eight sacks once the Raiders gave him more playing time in the year's second half.
Koonce entered this season needing to prove he had taken a step forward in his development after a quiet first two seasons in the National Football League. His emergence significantly affected Las Vegas' defensive turnaround this season.
The Raiders realized that Koonce was one of many players who needed a chance to be successful in a situation that benefited their skill sets. That happened once the Raiders started putting Koonce on the field more often with a respectable interior rush.
Koonce and Crosby would combine for the most total pressures of any defensive duo in the NFL this season. NFL.com named Koonce as the Raiders' unsung hero this season.
The Raiders hope Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham returns next season and can continue to find ways to get the most out of young and talented players such as Koonce.
The continued development of Koonce will be critical to the overall growth of Las Vegas' defense. If he can take the next step and continue to be a dependable defensive end to pair with Crosby, he'll be a household name next season.
After having the best season of his young career, Koonce enters a contract year. Next season, he'll have more than a few reasons to pick up where he left off.
If Koonce can put together an entire season similar to what he did in the last half of this season, he could be in line for a big payday in Las Vegas or elsewhere.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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