The Las Vegas Raiders faced significant challenges in the 2024 season, particularly on offense due to questionable coaching and player decisions. Despite these struggles, the Raiders' defense, previously touted as a strength, suffered from a myriad of injuries. Key losses included edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, who was sidelined throughout the season with a torn ACL, and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who was unable to return after a broken foot in Week 5. Maxx Crosby, a durable star, missed five games, while cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett had six and seven-game absences, respectively.

Looking ahead, Crosby and Koonce appear to be fully healthy as they return to the team this offseason. This revitalization can significantly bolster the Raiders’ defensive capabilities, which struggled in their absence last season. As the team gears up for the upcoming campaign, the successful integration of these players back into the lineup will be crucial for enhancing their defensive performance and overall competitiveness in the league.

The Las Vegas Raiders made significant strides in bolstering their defensive lineup this offseason, focusing on retaining key players in their defensive line. Malcolm Koonce and Adam Butler have both re-signed, crucial for maintaining their defensive strength. Koonce, recovering from an ACL injury, signed a one-year deal worth up to $11 million, while Butler secured a three-year contract at $16.5 million. Their presence will be vital as the team navigates the recovery of Christian Wilkins from a broken foot.

Despite injury concerns with Wilkins and Koonce, recent reports indicate that most players, aside from Wilkins, participated in mandatory minicamp. This is encouraging news for fans and fantasy football enthusiasts, as it ensures the Raiders' defense remains a formidable unit in the league.

The New England Patriots are in a pivotal position as they hold the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. One highly touted prospect is Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan who finished his college career with impressive stats, including 45 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Graham is likened to NFL stars such as Christian Wilkins, suggesting he could be a significant addition to the Patriots' struggling defense.

While the selection of another defensive tackle raises eyebrows amidst questions about existing high-cap hit players like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, Graham's versatility and aggression could bring much-needed strength to a defense that ranked last in sacks last year. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses may be vital for a team looking to revitalize its roster. However, drafting Graham might also hinder efforts to bolster the offensive side, particularly as the team looks to support quarterback Drake Maye.

The Miami Dolphins will enter the 2025 draft with a total of 10 picks, including three compensatory selections. The NFL's management council recently corrected a miscalculation that had mistakenly awarded the team an extra seventh-round pick. The Dolphins now hold one third-round compensatory pick, one fourth-round pick, and one seventh-round pick due to player movements during the offseason.

Compensatory picks are determined based on free agent losses and additions, and in this case, the Dolphins lost key players like guard Robert Hunt to the Carolina Panthers and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders. As a result, the Dolphins have managed to retain a strategic advantage despite the loss of some depth.

With an emphasis on rebuilding and strengthening their roster, Miami needs to utilize these picks wisely. The adjustments in draft capital reflect the ongoing evolution of their team strategy and depth chart planning.

As the NFL franchise and transition tag period approaches, the Miami Dolphins are faced with a significant decision regarding safety Jevon Holland. Coming off a solid fourth season, Holland, a 2021 second-round draft pick, may be tagged to prevent him from hitting the free agent market where he could command a lucrative deal. Last season, the Dolphins let fellow standout Christian Wilkins go, a decision influenced by salary cap constraints. The upcoming tagging costs are substantial, with the franchise tag for safeties estimated at $19.6 million. Given Miami's current $12 million cap overage, they may opt for a more strategic approach, potentially leading to a repeat scenario from last year.