The Las Vegas Raiders have bolstered their defensive line over the offseason - and undrafted rookie Jah Joyner wants to make his mark thanks to his “hatred for quarterbacks.”
Despite putting in a series of strong performances throughout the build-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, alongside enticing physicals, 257 picks came and went without Joyner hearing his name called. It appeared a nightmare scenario, but then he got a call with a 702 area code.
Joyner was going to Sin City to join first-round pick Ashton Jeanty, and the Raiders could not wait to get their hands on the two-time All-Big Ten edge rusher. It’s clear to see why the Silver and Black were interested in Joyner, a 6’4” edge who runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash. He will fit in with the culture being set by minority owner Tom Brady.
Before Joyner became a fearsome pass-rusher, right back at the start of his footballing journey, he wanted to be a quarterback. But, unable to deliver with the ball in his hand, Joyner decided to become the hunter rather than the hunted.
“I actually wanted to be a quarterback, honestly,” Joyner exclusively told The Mirror U.S. Sport. “Everyone does. But I couldn't play quarterback, and that just got me mad.
“So every time I see a quarterback on the field, it makes me mad. My hatred for quarterbacks was one of the major reasons I found success early.”
During his time in college, Joyner recorded 12.0 sacks over his final two seasons in Minnesota. He bamboozles tackles with his effective moves and countermoves, which keep his opponents guessing and will prove a frustrating combination opposite Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins.
“My get off is what separates me from anybody in this class, honestly. Last year, I kind of took a step back because I got hurt. Usually, I’m the first person off the ball and really affecting the quarterback.
“When I talk about affecting the quarterback, it's not just about sacks. It's about actually hitting his arm, hitting him, forcing interceptions, and stuff like that. That's what I've been good at in my game - putting the quarterback under pressure, all the time.”
Joyner revealed his go-to moves are the speed rip and a swipe. He has built an array of moves and techniques after studying the likes of T.J. Watt, Brandon Graham, and Arden Key, and he uses his on-field production to lead by example in the locker room.
Joyner’s processing is also impressive. “If it's a tackle that's a vertical setter and he's not really turning his shoulder, then I can beat him off the edge. He's not going to be able to kick with my speed. If he's more of a horizontal setter, then that's when I use my counter or power.
“If I don't win the rep, I know it's my fault. The offensive tackle didn’t do anything - it’s my bad. That’s just my mindset. One-on-one, I feel like I can beat any tackle in the country.”
Joyner talks the talk, and now he must walk the walk if he is going to make the Raiders’ active roster for the 2025 season and establish himself as a true ‘quarterback-hating’ threat in the NFL. But what is Las Vegas getting in their undrafted free agent acquisition?
“I’m a guy that's going to get better every year. I’m just always going to get better, and I've shown that throughout my entire career. You can bet on that.”
If Joyner is going to bet on himself, Las Vegas seems a fitting place to do so.
