NFL Analysis Network

NFL Scout Reveals Major X-Factor For Raiders In 2022

After all of the hurdles that the Las Vegas Raiders had to overcome during the 2021 season, they are looking to take that positive momentum and build on it in 2022. The team battled injuries, a head coaching change and off-the-field issues yet still qualified for the postseason.

While their stay in the playoffs was short, as they were defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Wild Card Weekend, there is optimism surrounding the team. General manager Dave Zeigler was hired away from the New England Patriots to replace Mike Mayock and he brought Josh McDaniels along with him to be the head coach.

Their presence is already being felt as they were aggressive in upgrading the roster. They made two splash moves during the offseason, acquiring wide receiver Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers and signing EDGE defender Chandler Jones in free agency.

Acquiring one player of that caliber would be considered a strong offseason, but the Raiders landed two. When combined with some of the holdovers already on the roster, Las Vegas has the pieces to contend in what will be an uber-competitive AFC West.

The Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are all going to have explosive offenses, which means the Raiders’ defense is going to need to be on point for them to win some games. That is why one NFL scout has pinpointed Rock Ya-Sin as the team’s X-Factor heading into the season.

“The Raiders are going to be dangerous on both sides of the ball, but one player that must step up is former Colts’ cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. He has struggled so far in his career, but his potential is still very high. Las Vegas needs him to develop into being a quality starter and if he can do that their defense has the chance to be elite.”

Ya-Sin was a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Temple. He was acquired this offseason in a trade from the Indianapolis Colts. Las Vegas traded Yannick Ngakoue to the Colts for him following their addition of Jones to the defensive front.

He will have some big shoes to fill taking the place of Casey Hayward, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Veteran Desmond Trufant was also not brought back, as the Raiders are looking to shake things up a little bit on the back end of their defense.

If Ya-Sin can find his stride and start realizing some of his vast potential, the Raiders defense will elevate to another level.

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