There is a lot to be excited about in regards to the Raiders this season. They will likely be starting two rookie receivers in Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards. Josh Jacobs is now widely considered one of the best running backs in football and Darren Waller has emerged as a stud at tight end.
However, if the Raiders want to make a leap and go to the playoffs this season, it’s not the offense that needs to improve. Nope, it’s the defense. After surrendering more than 27 points per game last season, the unit has to be better this season if the Raiders want to be taken seriously in the AFC.
To the Raiders’ credit, they did make a bunch of notable upgrades to their defense this offseason. But is it enough to make them a passable group?
In a recent article by Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus, he ranked all 32 defenses entering the season. The Raiders came in at No. 21, but Treash was excited about the direction the unit is heading. Take a look at his thoughts on the linebacker corps and how they impact the entire defense this season:
The defensive line was and will continue to be subpar, but the linebacker unit got two rapid upgrades with the signings of Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. Littleton has made his name known as one of the top coverage linebackers, as he has recorded an NFL-high 20 pass breakups plus interceptions since 2018. Kwiatkoski shined in every facet of play in a rotational role and filling in for injuries for Chicago, as he was one of six linebackers to produce a 70-plus grade as a run defender, a pass-rusher and in coverage since 2017.
The Raiders are hoping that the additions of Littleton, Kwiatkoski and Raekwon McMillian can give them the best linebacker unit they’ve had this decade. In turn, that should help them in pass coverage as they were routinely exposed by running backs and tight ends last season.
If this defense can become a top-15 unit in the NFL, the Raiders should make the playoffs this season. But in order for that to happen, they will need several young players to take significant strides this season, such as Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell and Trayvon Mullen. Keep an eye on those three players as they will likely decide just how good this defense can be this season.
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