Will Raiders Young Defenders Keep Progressing in 2024?

The Las Vegas Raiders saw several young defensive players make strides in 2023, something they'll want to maintain in 2024.

The Las Vegas Raiders made strides in several areas in 2023, but possibly none more so than on defense.

Coach Antonio Pierce and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham inspired excellent play out of nearly all their defensive players. 

What should really encourage Raider Nation about the defense is how young many of their important contributors are. The Raiders are building a strong defensive foundation and could add to it through the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Many of their young players made significant strides last season, but they know that that season is over, and they need to be focused on the upcoming season. They want to turn those promising strides into consistent performances. 

The Raiders may expect their young defensive core to carry them again in 2024. Even stars like defensive end Maxx Crosby and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins still qualify as ‘young,’ as Crosby is only 26 and Wilkins is just 28. They are part of the Raiders’ long-term plans defensively, so they fit the mold. 

Looking at young players who emerged in 2023, one of the top players was defensive end Malcolm Koonce. There was always the possibility of Koonce putting it all together in his third season, and it came true. He was finally finishing sacks and improved tremendously in the run game. 

There was a common annoyance among the Raiders’ fanbase that Crosby was the only player on the defensive line consistently getting home. Koonce added another presence to that and wants to keep that going in 2024. He will hope to race Crosby to the quarterback for more than just a half of a season. 

Another player who played quite well was linebacker Divine Deablo. He finally had a healthy season and posted career bests in several statistical categories. Deablo is the perfect linebacker for the modern NFL. He is extremely athletic and can cover the middle of the field. His health is paramount for a successful Raiders’ defense. 

The Raiders also saw good play from Nate Hobbs in the secondary and Tre’von Moehrig at safety. Las Vegas needs to find answers in the secondary, and it is encouraging for them to see players like Hobbs and Moehrig step up and lead the way. They hope to see improvement in Jakorian Bennett’s second season as well.

The Raiders should be good on defense again in 2024, and they may be good beyond next season if these young defenders continue to make strides.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.