Raiders biggest offseason storyline isn't the quarterback competition

The Raiders quarterback competition between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew is by most accounts the biggest storyline for the team this offseason. Bleacher Report has just released an article stating just that as they list every NFL teams biggest story lines.

While it is a massive storyline, there should be some push back on it to acknowledge the potential of the defensive line. The single biggest free agency signing by the Raiders was interior defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, however that signing has been shrouded because of the ongoing QB competition.

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The Raiders defense should be a focal point of conversation because it will be the strength of the team heading into the season. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is returning for another season, something that wasn't expected toward the end of 2023, many had him leaving to pursue another opportunity as a head coach.

Maxx Crosby is looking to finally add some hardware to his trophy case with another bid for Defensive Player of the Year as he continues to grow as a leader and pass rusher. All this while playing alongside arguably the best supporting cast he's had since he entered the league.

Malcom Koonce emerged as the secondary edge rusher to Crosby in the last 4 weeks of the season, a small sample size but something promising to build on. Not to mention some of the high praise he's been getting from Graham during OTAs and minicamp, acknowledging his growth and leadership.

As mentioned earlier, Christian Wilkins is joining the line led by Crosby. This could be the biggest superstar that Wilkins has played next to, and an ascending star at that. The Raiders have needed interior pass rush since Crosby entered the league and have missed in the draft trying to fill that void, so they turned to a proven veteran in Wilkins through free agency.

The entire Raiders defense may not be a point of conversation among the masses, it's important to note that they have the potential to be among the best. While the quarterback position is the most important position on the field, the ongoing competition isn't the only thing to keep an eye on and make conversation about. It's time to start talking about the Raiders defense, and more specifically the defensive line.