It's been an exciting offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders as the franchise aims for a deep playoff run. All eyes are on the offense right now as the front office made a big trade to acquire Davante Adams. This roster is shaping up nicely but more attention needs to be given to the defense. With that in mind, we look at the key position group to make the biggest impact for the Raiders in the 2022 NFL season.

The offense will be much improved without a doubt, however, that seems to be what everyone is focused on. While Las Vegas deserves praise for addressing the wide receiver room, the defense must not be ignored. The front office has done a great job at stacking both sides of the ball and we should see the Raiders' front seven wreak havoc all year.

If that's the case, then Las Vegas could be one of the best teams in the league. It'll be tough though, as the AFC West is absolutely loaded. Even so, the Raiders will have a fighting chance every week. That's especially true considering how deep they are at edge rusher.

With that said, here is our key position group to make the biggest impact for the Raiders in the 2022 NFL season.

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Raiders Key Position Group For 2022 NFL Season

Edge Rushers

The pass rush in Las Vegas has the potential of being elite. Yes. Elite. Maxx Crosby has been phenomenal for the Raiders, which allows the edge rushers to succeed in general. He ended the 2021 campaign with 56 total tackles (13 for a loss, eight sacks, and seven pass deflections. The front office rewarded him with a massive contract extension and Vegas should maintain dominant play with Crosby on the roster.

Additionally, the Raiders made a big move in free agency after signing Chandler Jones. The veteran edge rusher has been incredibly consistent throughout his career and that likely won't end in the 2022 season. Jones was a monster for the Arizona Cardinals last year, accumulating 41 total tackles (12 for a loss), 10.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles. Now that's a statline Vegas fans can get excited about.

Looking at the production Crosby and Jones produced last season, the Raiders are set up to have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. Of course, they'll need some help from the rest of the defense, but the edge rushers should be viewed as the anchor for this unit.

With the offense showing improvement, the defense must be on point as well. That's why the Raiders will lean on Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones throughout the upcoming NFL season. With those two dominating opposing offensive lines, Las Vegas should be able to compete with nearly every team in the league. That's why this position group is key for this franchise, as Crosby and Jones set the tone on defense.

We'll have to see how it plays out, of course. But the Raiders are looking nice on paper. As long as these two pass rushers maintain their high level of play, Las Vegas will have one of the best edge-rushing tandems in the league. Look for things to heat up in training camp, as this organization enters the season with big goals in mind.