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Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 is Gruden’s chance to finish the rebuild

By Ian Higgins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders talks to Derek Carr #4 during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders talks to Derek Carr #4 during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Jaylen Twyman, 2021 NFL Draft
Jaylen Twyman, 2021 NFL Draft (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

2020 Starters: Johnathan Hankins (FA), Maliek Collins

Within the renewed Las Vegas defense, Gruden has implemented a base 4-3 front with a sustained pass-rush from hefty defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell. On the interior though, the Raiders haven’t been able to pin down a keystone defensive tackle to add the third-head to their pass-rush.

Jalen Twyman is a 291-pound defensive tackle who has excelled at Pittsburgh with his one-on-one hand-fighting ability and sufficient first-step. Twyman’s technique has been polished by a Pittsburgh coaching staff that has produced the likes of Aaron Donald and Jabaal Sheard. His size can work against him in the run game, but there is still room for physical development upon entering the NFL.

Current Raiders defensive tackle Maliek Collins weighs in at 284 pounds, making a combination of the two unlikely outside of third and long. If Twyman were to be brought into the Las Vegas defense, Gruden would also have to spend another draft selection on a more physical nose tackle to complement.

Jalen Twyman. 866. 97. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT. Pittsburgh

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