With so much ofthe Raiders’ offseason focuson new quarterbackFernando Mendoza, it’s easy to overlook how many changes and additions they made to their defense.
Between the draft and free agency, they potentially added up to six new starters, completely overhauled their inside linebacker room and infused that side of the ball with youth and playmaking ability.
A look at where things stand with the Raiders’ defensive depth chart, after free agency and draft:
Starters:DE Maxx Crosby, NT Adam Butler, DT Jonah Laulu
Reserves:Thomas Booker, Tonka Hemingway, JJ Pegues, Brandon Cleveland, Brodric Martin, Treven Ma’ae, Laki Tasi, Gary Smith III
The skinny:The Raiders are moving from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4, so it will be interesting to monitor how it plays out in terms of who lines up where and who steps up at nose tackle. Crosby’s alignment could change a bit compared to the past, with him rushing off the edge from a stand-up position being a real possibility. Laulu has grown and developed since coming on board in 2024 and could be positioned for a big season in Year 3. The Raiders feel they have improved the depth by bringing in Booker, Hemingway, Butler and Cleveland over the last year.
Bottom line:Crosby remains one of the NFL’s true game-changers, but the Raiders need some of their young players to step up on the interior by occupying blockers to free up linebackers to make plays and by creating interior push in run defense and as pass rushers.
Starters:Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce
Reserves:Keyron Crawford, Jahfari Harvey, Brennan Jackson, Cian Slone, Tommy Eichenberg, Segun Olubi, Cody Lindenberg, Xavian Sorey Jr.
The Raiders went heavy in free agency to address their inside linebacker position by adding Walker and Dean on three-year contracts. They immediately lift a room that needed major help, and with both just now entering their primes, they provide immediate and long-term help. Paye and Koonce will play off the edge when the Raiders are in their base 3-4 defense.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
