Heading into free agency, it was glaringly obvious just how much of a need the Raiders had at the linebacker position. They needed to overhaul the position and there was no player who was more perfect for what they needed than Cory Littleton.
Here’s what I wrote on Littleton back in January, prior to free agency.
The complete package at linebacker. Littleton was an all-around outstanding performer for the Rams with 134 combined tackles, 4.0 sacks, 5 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions.
A Pro Bowler a season ago, Littleton possesses rare coverage ability for an inside linebacker, and in a league more and more about the passing game, that’s quite valuable. When you can put up his tackle numbers along with his coverage skills, you’ve got just what the Raiders need.
It was no surprise the Raiders went hard after Littleton, making him their top prize of free agency. Since he’s arrived, he’s shown himself to be as advertised, according to his teammates in the secondary.
“I think the first thing that stands out is just his athleticism,” said safety Jeff Heath Sunday from training camp. “He moves like a DB but he’s in a linebacker body. He’s really fast and he’s very fluid, so this league now is all about matchups. Teams’ offenses have so many different guys at every position that can win down the field, that are quick, agile, fast. So, you got to have guys on defense to match up with those type of players. The days of the 265-pound linebacker who doesn’t leave the hashes, that’s tough in today’s game. I’ve played against him a few times when he was with the Rams and you just see his athleticism, his play-making ability. So, it’s definitely a good asset to have on the team.”
Littleton will line up at outside linebacker for the Raiders, allowing him to showcase that athleticism and coverage ability. Often times tight ends can be mismatches on linebackers. That is especially true in the AFC West with the likes of Travis Kelce and Hunter Henry. With Littleton, the Raiders won’t have to sacrifice deep coverage by bringing up a safety all the time. That’s a big luxury to have.
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