The Raiders currently are projected have more than $56 million in projected salary-cap room, which is handy because they have a ton of work to do in free agency.
Las Vegas general manager Mike Mayock has already said the Raiders need impact players on all layers of defense.
The Raiders have already begun to aggressively seek help on defense by visiting with linebacker Christian Kirksey, who was cut by the Cleveland Browns this week.
With the Raiders expected to do make a lot of moves in free agency, let’s look at some defensive players currently on the Raiders’ defense who may be in danger of losing playing time due to free-agent additions:
P.J. Hall: Mayock has already put the 2018 second-round pick on notice. The Raiders expect full effort at all times from him. I could see the Raiders looking to lower him down the depth chart at defensive tackle the next few weeks. One potential target is Dallas’ Maliek Collins, who played for new La Vegas defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.
Johnathan Hankins: Hankins is in better standing than Hall at defensive tackle, but he could be a player the Raiders look to upgrade from.
Erik Harris: Harris is a full-effort type who is good to have on the roster but he does have some limitations. I could see the Raiders signing a safety, who could take reps away from the likable Harris.
Arden Key: The third-round pick in 2018 has been slowed by a lack of production and injuries. If the Raiders sign a new pass-rusher to help Maxx Crosby, Key could fall on the depth chart.
Josh Mauro: The veteran journeyman defensive end is the type of player teams look at to upgrade from. But, still, he should get a chance to compete for reps in training camp.
Nicholas Morrow: He’s been a starter but the Raiders are looking to upgrade completely at linebacker. It will be a disappointment for the team if Morrow goes to training camp as a starter.
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