Oakland Raiders Two-Deep Depth Chart

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Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is pressured by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) and defensive tackle Dan Williams (90) during an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Nose Tackle: Dan Williams, Justin Ellis

The Raiders look like they’re going to run more base 3-4 than anything so we start at the nose tackle. Dan Williams has been one of the best in the NFL at that since his days with the Arizona Cardinals. He’s still one of the top nose tackles in the league at stuffing the run too.

At 6’3″, 320 pounds, he’s just hard to move and has a little quickness to pentetrate into the backfield. That little something he has makes him an underrated pass-rusher. He wil at least always push his man back to the quarterback, giving him nowhere to step up and throw.

Justin Ellis is another one of those guys who’s role will be reduced as the roster has improved. Like Rivera, he’s become a fan favorite as he was an okay player on a bad team. But Ellis isn’t the guy you want starting, he’s the guy you want when you don’t have the guy you want in there.

That’s why he’ll will make a good rotational guy in the middle as a backup to Williams. You need fresh bodies on the defensive line, especially the big ones in the middle of your defense. The starting experience he’s had over the years will help him keep the drop-off to a minimum.

Next: Right Defensive End

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