With the Las Vegas Raiders needing another one of their pass-rushers to step up to help out star edge rusher Maxx Crosby in 2023, former third-round pick Malcolm Koonce answered the bell with a career year.
Koonce broke out in his third season, tallying career-highs in sacks (eight), tackles (43) and tackles for loss (nine). Now, the Buffalo product will look to build on his success from last season in what is a contract year for him.
On Day 2 of organized team activities (full recap) on Tuesday, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said he's "giddy" over Koonce because he's becoming more of a leader and coaching up younger players.
“Now you’re seeing a young man developing true mastery of his craft," Graham said of Koonce. "I was impressed, just the confidence he has right now.”
Something that’s made Patrick Graham “giddy” this offseason is Malcolm Koonce becoming a leader of the defense, coaching up younger players.
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) May 21, 2024
“Now you’re seeing a young man developing true mastery of his craft. … I was impressed, just the confidence he has right now.”#Raiders pic.twitter.com/R4Nv2UetZ6
Koonce served as a backup over his first two years and didn't produce much in that role, so his 2023 campaign was a seismic leap. If he wants to land a lucrative, long-term deal in free agency in 2025, he'll have to prove that was no fluke.