What are Expectations for Neil Farrell Jr. in Year 2?
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. is entering his second season with the Silver and Black.
Farrell, a fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of LSU, had 12 tackles, a tackle for a loss and two quarterback hits in nine games last season.
Throughout this preseason, Farrell has posted two tackles and has come up with two important fourth down stops.
Farrell is a player looking to break through for the Raiders at a position where they need to find answers. While Bilal Nichols and Jerry Tillery are set to start at defensive tackle, Farrell is one of several young interior defensive linemen vying for more playing time.
Farrell stands 6-4 and weighs 325 pounds, making him a prime candidate to be the Raiders’ go-to run stopper. His ability to take on blockers and stuff up the inside lanes will slow down the rushing attacks the Raiders will face this season.
While Farrell did not have much of an opportunity to showcase his skill-set last season, he has that opportunity in 2023. In his second season under Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, Farrell can maximize his skills under Graham, who has coached up some of today’s best defensive tackles in the NFL.
Farrell will be only 25 years old when the season begins and still has lots of room to grow as a player. Right now, he is limited to being a run stuffer, but he can stand to improve as a tackler and as an interior pass rusher so he can remain on the field on passing downs.
The Raiders are looking to improve on defense on all three levels, especially in the trenches. They could not stop the run or, outside of Maxx Crosby, get to the quarterback last season. Defenses work in unison with each other, so when one unit is working, others follow suit.
Farrell is entering a second season in which he is looking to expand on his game, be impactful as a run stopper and as an interior rusher. In a defensive tackle room that is looking for consistent contributors, now is the time for Farrell to step up.
The Silver and Black return to preseason action when they play the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.
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