The most underrated signing the Las Vegas Raiders made in 2022 was outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell. Fackrell has been a successful rotational edge rusher in his career and even put up 10.5 sacks in 2018. The ability he brings and his quickness off the edge is a thing to see. He can spin quickly and shoot off the block in a way that would make any defensive line close their eyes.
Fackrell isn’t afraid to take on blocks and chase down ball carriers, as many times he has run 20 or 30 yards down the field. He can be one of those core players that pushes the rest of the team and has some moments that make the crowd go wild. Here are some of the reasons why he is underappreciated and could have a significant impact this season.
What will Kyler Fackrell bring to the Raiders?
High marks for spot play
Fackrell has been a spot player since his career began as a third-round pick in 2016. He had an overall grade of 63.3 but managed a 72.7 pass rush grade last year, according to Pro Football Focus. This is good to know again considering he has always been a rotational piece and not a starter. He could be an important piece of the defense this year, bringing quickness off the edge, especially late in games. Raiders fans will remember him sacking Derek Carr, which led to the discourse between Carr and Joey Bosa. We know what happened there.
He has a respectable 18.5 sacks over the last four seasons which is good for a rotational player. Truthfully, he has flashed at times throughout his career, particularly in 2018, in which he picked up 10.5 sacks. He had a pair of games where he amassed three sacks to his credit. Fackrell has never been a starter and won’t come to Vegas as one either, but his numbers and the pieces the Raiders have picked up could allow him to be instrumental. He scored a 46-yard interception return touchdown in 2020, demonstrating his versatility as a linebacker, but he will be used more as an edge rusher.
The Raiders wanted Fackrell, and they went out and got him.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders made a lot of moves. They went out and got Fackrell because they wanted him, and having a team wants you can be a big motivator. The team is young on defense, so Fackrell could feasibly come in an and be both effective on the field but as a mentor too. Fact is. the Raiders have to Pro Bowl caliber defensive ends and plugging in Fackrell in that rotation will lead to some havoc for opposing offensive lines. This upcoming season is the first in a while where the Raiders have high expectations. Fackrell is one of the players that may not flash too much but will be an important piece if they go far. He’s a seven-year pro and has been in a winning environment and has been on bad teams. That experience will be vital for this season. If the Raiders are to make a run this season, expect Fackrell to be a key part of it.More must-reads: