The Raiders made a bunch of big moves this offseason, especially in free agency. Not only did they sign linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, but they also brought in a significant amount of talent to their defensive line.
One of their best acquisitions was signing veteran defensive end Carl Nassib to a moderately-sized deal to be the team’s third defensive end. And in a recent piece by Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report, he was named the team’s biggest sleeper entering the 2020 season. Take a look at Gagnon’s thoughts on Nassib this season with the Raiders:
Nassib is expected to play a significant role for his $8.4 million average annual salary, but don’t be shocked if he becomes a star. The 2016 third-round pick quietly put up 12.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, 20 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles over the last two seasons as a part-time player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he’s got the tools to produce more than that in the right situation.
Nassib has undoubtedly been a valuable defensive end for Tampa Bay over the last few years and the Raiders are hoping to get similar production this season. However, don’t be surprised if his role changes some under new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.
At 6’7, 277 pounds, Nassib projects as a player who could play inside at defensive tackle on certain passing downs. That would allow the Raiders to get more speed and athleticism on the field as Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby could stay on the outside. His versatility is another reason why the signing made so much sense as the team should have an easy time getting all three of their defensive ends on the field.
Nassib likely won’t be a double-digit sack artist for the Raiders this season, but he could be a very important defender on the defensive line. Look for the former Penn State star to be on the field a ton for Las Vegas this year.
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