The Las Vegas Raiders are bolstering their defensive line significantly by signing Marquan McCall, as reported in a December 19 post by Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. McCall, who entered the NFL last season as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers, played 16 games for them, amassing 15 combined tackles. However, he didn’t secure a roster spot this season and hasn’t played in any games in 2023.
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McCall, a massive player weighing in at 379 pounds, possesses the qualities to disrupt the middle of the defensive line and impede the running game. While the Raiders’ defense has shown improvement this season, their run defense has been lacking, ranking 23rd in the league by allowing an average of 124.9 yards per game on the ground. McCall could potentially address this issue if given the opportunity to contribute on the field.
Patrick Graham Addresses Tyree Wilson’s Move Inside
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Tyree Wilson as the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft with the intention of utilizing him as a defensive end. However, he encountered significant challenges in that role throughout the season. Despite still featuring him on the outside, the team has begun deploying him more frequently on the interior, where he has demonstrated notable improvements.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham addressed this shift and shared his observations regarding Wilson’s performance.
“For Tyree, having versatility along the defensive front is advantageous,” Graham stated in his media availability on December 19. “It keeps opponents guessing about his positioning and prevents them from focusing on a specific matchup. Given Tyree’s physical attributes—he possesses length, strength, and solid leverage—it allows us to maneuver him around to capitalize on his agility and length against specific opponents, which is beneficial.”
“I’ve mentioned previously that it’s beneficial for young edge rushers to gain experience on the inside early on. Not in every case, but often, this aids them in understanding how to effectively use their hands. This knowledge then translates to improved performance when they play on the outside.”
Considering the rise of defensive end Malcolm Koonce, the decision to use Wilson in an interior position appears sensible if he continues to display promising performances. Wilson’s main challenge has been his speed when rushing from the edge, but this becomes less critical in his role as a defensive tackle.
Patrick Graham Talks Tyree Wilson’s Confidence
The Las Vegas Raiders are enhancing their defensive line significantly by adding defensive tackle Marquan McCall, as reported in a December 19 post by Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. McCall entered the NFL last season as an undrafted free agent signed by the Carolina Panthers. In his debut season, he participated in 16 games and tallied 15 combined tackles. However, he failed to secure a spot on the roster this year and hasn’t seen any game time in 2023.
McCall’s substantial stature is notable, listed at 379 pounds, making him a potential disruptor in the middle of the defensive line and a hindrance to opposing rushing attacks. Although the Raiders’ defense has shown improvement this season, their performance in defending against the run has been subpar, ranking 23rd in the league by allowing an average of 124.9 rushing yards per game. McCall’s inclusion could potentially bolster the team’s run defense if he is given the opportunity to contribute on the field.
