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.”
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.