The Las Vegas Raiders are set to start the 2024 NFL season with one of the most deep and talented defensive lines in the league. A big part of that is due to the addition of superstar defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Wilkins was a selected as a first round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 NFL Draft after emerging as one of the top college defensive players of his era. The powerful lineup was part of two national championship sides with Clemson under coach Dabo Sweeney. Since making his NFL debut, Wilkins has continued to improve on the field with the Raiders willing to shell out $110 million to sign him to a four-year deal this offseason.
It is no secret that Las Vegas has priortized defense this year with newly-appointed head coach Antonio Pierce looking to build his perfect roster. Piece himself is a former NFL linebacker and understands the importance of a resilient defense.
“[Wilkins" presence] makes life easier for us as coaches," said Pierce per a recent ESPN article from Paul Gutierrez.
Along with Wilkins, the Raiders have bulked up the line by retaining some of their star talent from last year. John Jenkins and Adam Butler are both set to return along with rising star Malcolm Koonce. Add to that three-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby, and Piece acknowledges that this defense has something special.
“Now we"ve got somebody on the front [to match] with Maxx Crosby. Full-blown effort for 60 minutes. And that"s what we"re looking for," added Pierce
If Wilkins can continue to develop the way he has in previous seasons, Raiders fans have reason to be excited about this star-studded defense.
