Headed into the 2021 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders have talent all over their roster. While most of their elite play has recently been on offense, the defense looks to balance the trend. The Raiders added pieces on both sides of the ball and in the personnel rooms in hopes of elevating past the 8-8 record posted in 2020. Every franchise in the NFL is fielding top-tier talent, and reaching the Pro Bowl will be a huge task for any player. These five Raiders have arguably the best chance to make a Pro Bowl appearance for their efforts in 2021.
The Five Most Likely Pro Bowlers on the Las Vegas Raiders
Darren Waller, Tight End
Easily a top-five tight end, Darren Waller is arguably the Raiders best player. Making the Pro Bowl in 2020, Waller put on a show for fans of the Silver and Black. His 107 receptions led to 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns. The path to success has not been a glamorous one for Waller. The former sixth-round pick saw three quiet years with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Raiders and eventually breaking out in 2019. Now a threat on the field and fantasy lineups, Waller is becoming the face of the offense for Las Vegas. A return to the Pro Bowl isn’t just likely for Waller, it will be necessary if the Raiders are to succeed in 2021.
Kolton Miller, Offensive Tackle
Yet to reach a Pro Bowl, Kolton Miller is earning his respect from the league. Drafted in 2018, Miller has survived many changes to the offensive line since he joined. After beating out Donald Penn for the starting job, Miller has been a consistent blocker for Derek Carr and company. He started all but two games in 2020. With another massive overhaul to the line in the 2021 off-season, Miller will have to be the anchor for chemistry moving forward.
The Raiders believe in his talent, signing him to a recent three-year, $54 million contract. Helping Carr and Josh Jacobs produce big numbers could finally mean a Pro Bowl visit for Miller.
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Yannick Ngakoue, Defensive End
One of the biggest free-agent acquisitions in the AFC was Yannick Ngakoue joining the Raiders. Ngakoue joins a lackluster pass rush. Now the feature piece on a line, Ngakoue could have the easiest path to the Pro Bowl for Raiders defenders. In his first five seasons, the former Jacksonville Jaguar has logged at least eight sacks. That level of consistency matched with Gus Bradley’s system could see Ngkaoue reach elite status.
After being moved around the league, Ngakoue has hopefully found a permanent home in Vegas. Of these five Raiders most likely to make the Pro Bowl, Ngakoue (who seemingly succeeds no matter what) could be a shoo-in for the annual game.
Derek Carr, Quarterback
Love him or hate him, Derek Carr is still the Raiders signal-caller. His 2020 campaign was his most accurate to date. Not quite as fearless as his 2016 outing, Carr still managed to rack up 4,103 yards, 27 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Sophomore receiver Henry Ruggs looks to break out after a ho-hum rookie year. New additions John Brown and Willie Snead look to be threats at different levels as well. Lastly, Bryan Edwards looks to cement himself as a household name in the wideout conversation.
All these pieces could be huge for Carr adding to his yardage and touchdown totals while still playing accurate and safe football. Jacobs and his new partner Kenyan Drake could also be huge assets to lighten Carr’s load. The biggest drawback to Carr making a Pro Bowl in 2021 is easily his competition. Names like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson will be hard to beat for a Pro Bowl nod.
Maxx Crosby, Defensive End
Perhaps the brightest note of the Raiders 2020 defense was the emergence of Maxx Crosby. His four-sack game against the Cincinnati Bengals immediately had fans and the league paying attention. He ended his 2020 season by notching seven sacks and 20 solo tackles. A new defensive coordinator and fresh faces could be just what Crosby needs to make the leap to stardom. The aforementioned Ngakoue could leave room for Crosby to thrive against weaker lines.
Looking to change the culture on defense, Crosby will help lead the charge with his non-stop motor. Shifting the focus to stopping opponents has Crosby in a position to make the Pro Bowl next season.
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