2017 Raiders Free Agency Profile: DT Johnathan Hankins
The Oakland Raiders already missed on top free agent defensive tackles Dontari Poe and Bennie Logan. Both signed one-year contracts below their expected annual salary. Logan, 27, signed with the Chiefs for $8 million . Poe, 26, signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons for about $8 million.
Insert Johnathan Hankins as the next big name to fill the Raiders need for an inside rusher and run stuffer. Hankins actually registered more sacks than Poe and Logan in 2016. Still, it has been rumored that Hankins’ lack of interest could lead him towards a return to the Giants. Thus, the Raiders should get into this negotiation. The Raiders did not sign Reggie Nelson until late into free agency. Further, reports claim Hankins’ slow market to questions about his potential contributions on a defensive line that is not as talented as New York’s group.
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This won’t be a problem in Oakland. Despite the Raiders finishing last in sacks last year, they have Khalil Mack as an elite rusher. They also have several solid depth pieces like Jihad Ward, Denico Autry, Mario Edwards, Dan Williams and Justin Ellis. These guys give the Raiders the depth and versatility to build around Hankins.
Moreover, the Raiders still have more than $33 million in cap space, which makes signing Hankins doable. Oakland could offer a front-loaded contract, as management prefers. In contrast, players seek something more long-term. Hankins is 25 years old so he should be entering his prime. He could thrive on the Raiders defense.
Granted, Hankins finished 2016 with a poor grade from Pro Football Focus. He ranked as the No. 72 interior defender with a 47.1 grade from PFF. This would put Hankins behind Williams and Ellis as far as PFF grade. Regardless, PFF is just one opinion on a player. Hankins registered 29 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble last season. Clearly, Hankins was still a productive player.
Therefore, Oakland should sign Hankins. He could become a force in the Raiders rotation. Hankins’ experience is mostly in a 4-3 defense. Thus, he would combine with either Williams or Ellis to create a consistent wall on the interior defensive line. Oakland could also experiment with Hankins as a five-technique end in 3-4 defensive looks.
Adding Hankins allows the Raiders to focus on developing Ward and Edwards Jr. as edge players, instead of interior linemen. Signing Hankins would also allow the Raiders to address other positions like CB, RB, OT and LB during the NFL Draft.
Ultimately, Hankins would be a welcomed addition for Oakland. He brings a combination of age, position need and productivity that would make him a worthy investment for Oakland.
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